If the opening hours of Small Business Saturday in Wheeling were any indication, Ohio Valley shoppers and Ohio Valley shops ended the day quite happy.

The stores were filled with folks perusing clothing racks and eying furniture, antiques, art and other items for that perfect holiday gift. The city of Wheeling did its part to enhance the experience, offering free skating on a synthetic rink at Heritage Port, as well as shuttles between some of the bigger shopping areas.

And those local businesses made sure to roll out the red carpet that day, offering specials, discounts and little perks to entice shoppers to come back.

“This is also a way to hopefully make an impact, so that people realize we need them all year long,” V.C. Wares owner Amy Cordy said.

These businesses do need that patronage all year long. They’re our friends and our neighbors, the people we see out and about. Many of them don’t stop at providing residents with items they can’t find at larger national chains. They give back to the community, whether through donations or through their time serving with local organizations. These are the folks who have earned repeat business.

Small Business Saturday is a great event that shines a spotlight on the local shops and their owners. Yet it isn’t just during the holiday season that their wares are so attractive. Keep up your support all year long.