Historic Downtown Glendale’s shops and restaurants will celebrate Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Founded by American Express, Small Business Saturday is traditionally held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and small businesses create about two-thirds of new jobs in the U.S. each year.

Historic Downtown Glendale features more than 70 independently owned shops.

The focus starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 25.

“Our business owners each have a special reason for opening their business in this treasured downtown,” Lorraine Zomok, Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association president and owner of Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures and The Spicery Tearoom, shared in a press release.

Small Business Saturday is the opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts and enjoy a leisurely lunch with family and friends, all while supporting locally owned businesses.

Start your journey this Saturday at the Arizona Information Center located at Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures, at 5836 W. Palmaire Ave. Downtown docents will welcome visitors and provide walking maps, and the first 50 visitors will receive a free Small Business Saturday gift.

Bud and Lorraine Zomok, from Memory Lane Trinkets and Treasures (left), and Coit and Valerie and Linda Burner from Bears & More are just some of the downtown merchants taking part in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 25 in Glendale.

(Photo provided by Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association)