There is no better time to frequent West Columbia’s small businesses than the Christmas shopping season.

Saturday, Nov. 30 has been designated Small Business Saturday to help communities thrive.

In West Columbia the locally-owned businesses have a warm feel and a personal touch. The proprietors care and take time and listen. Small businesses have a family touch.

Small businesses are also the core of successful neighborhoods. Small Business Saturday was established  on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, in 2010, to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.

Lainie Lewis, owner of State Street Trading Company at 134 State Street in West Columbia, is an advocate of the effort to support local retailers.

“November and December are my best months of the year,” said Lewis. She also said shopping local, and supporting small businesses is important.

To draw customers during the holiday season, State Street Trading Co. is offering 20 percent off store wide, said Lewis.

You can find jewelry, antique furniture, pottery, paintings, photos, and Christmas ornaments at the business. The artwork is unique and from local artists, including Janice Haynes and Jim Cheatham.

“Ninety percent of everything I have in my shop is created by local artisans,” said Lewis.

Across town, in West Columbia’s Airport Square Shopping Center, Doc’s Furniture also anticipates the holiday shopping season.

“We always like to offer something special to customers for the holidays,” said Jami Gantt, owner of Doc’s.

Gantt calls Doc’s a “mom and pop” store. “We’re different from the “big box’ outlets,” he said. “We’re local and we offer a more unique inventory than the franchises. Shopping here helps keep small businesses strong.”

Other small businesses that look forward to the holiday shopping season include Three Oaks Florists at 143 State Street. owned by Matt Evans, it’s a floral shop that specializes in modern, contemporary, and traditional floral designs. The shop also offers tropical plants and flowers, and antiques and gift items.

Another West Columbia staple for holiday shopping is The Eclectic House at 716 Meeting St. For close to two decades the shop has been offering jewelry, candles, scarves, sweaters, ornaments. and many other great gift ideas.

The Eclectic House also carries name brand items, including Vera Bradley, Tyler Candles and other well-known boutique pieces.

Margaret Causey is the owner of The Old Mill Antique Mall at 310 State Street. For more than 30 years it has been one of the best places for holiday shopping. Milk glass and ceramic Christmas trees are popular items sold for the season.

So be sure to get out and support West Columbia’s small businesses as you shop for the holidays.