Fort Lee Small Business On Patch: A Pre-Black Friday Roundup

You probably already know that Nov. 26 is the second annual "Small Business Saturday," a day, sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when consumers are encouraged to "shop small" (and perhaps local) and support small businesses.

"If millions of Americans shop small, it will be huge," or so the motto of "Small Business Saturday" goes.

But if you you want to get an early start, and especially if you want to avoid the maelstrom of mall masochists, why not consider shopping small and local on Black Friday as well?

Fort Lee offers a wide variety of restaurants, "mom-and-pop" shops and operations that provide some of our most basic, needed, or just wanted services, and Patch thought Thanksgiving Day, also known--at least to some--as "the day before Black Friday," was a perfect time to remind you of some of the local businesses we've spotlighted over the past several months.

Consider this a Thanksgiving tribute to all those hearty souls with the fortitude to continue to run or open small businesses in less than stellar economic times, and who choose to do so, for whatever reason, in Fort Lee, thus becoming a part of the fabric and contributing to the greater good of the community.

Note: This is by no means a comprehensive list--more like a smattering--of what Fort Lee has to offer; it's a roundup of some of the businesses we've managed to cover so far in our own relatively brief existence. There are many more to come so stay tuned. In the meantime, please let us know in the comments section what your favorite local establishments are or where you'll be spending your Black Friday.

, Fort Lee Patch's sponsor for our holiday coverage, is a  kosher bakery in Linwood Plaza. It offers a wide variety of cakes, vegan cakes, cookies and other baked goods. There you will also find greeting cards, juices, snacks and a coffee/tea counter. The staff is friendly and personable, which gives the shop a family feel.

If it's spirits you're after, try in Linwood Plaza.

"Wines that represent great value at a low cost are extremely popular. Wines that are hard to acquire or very expensive remain very popular. Wines in the mid-range--$30 to $100, have suffered. It’s a reflection on the country’s economic situation as a whole," owner Jake Lee told Patch. (Full Story)

If hardware is your thing (or need), one of the oldest remaining family-owned businesses in Fort Lee and a staple in the borough since 1947, on Main St., is your place. It is convenient, reliable and dependable and much more than simply a hardware store. (Full Story)

One of Fort Lee's newest family-owned businesses is at 205 Main St. Owned by Alex and Susan Seo, the store carries all the big name shoe brands like Nike, Reebok, Croc, Timberland and more. It’s spacious and very kid-friendly, with a beautiful window display and all the fashionable new shoes kids love. (Full Story)

Need something for Fido or Fluffy? on Main St. has got you covered. The shop is small and chock full of all-natural, holistic and human-grade pet foods, along with freshwater fish and aquarium supplies, some bird supplies, cat food, dog food and other small animal supplies. The pet shop doesn’t carry everything, but they do try to cater to their customers' needs and are often able to order special items. (Full Story)

In business for 35 years, (on Main St.) owner Susan Boni started out when she was 12 years old working with her parents, owners of a frame store on Long Island. That experience was Boni's inspiration, and she followed in her parents' footsteps. (Full Story)

Fort Lee's family-owned moved to Fort Lee in 1959. It provides custom window treatment by Hunter Douglas and is known for it's service, advice, reliability and honesty. (Full Story)

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If you're in the mood for, or in dire need of a little stress relief this Black Friday, check out another new Fort Lee establishment, on Lemoine Ave. The spacious day spa offers its clients more than the various types of massage, body scrubs, skin care and body treatments, waxing, aromatherapy and other specialties commonly associated with upscale, New York City spas. It offers stress relief in the eastern tradition and a chance to get away—if only for a couple of hours—from the clamor of everyday life. (Full Story)

A spa of a different nature, on Schlosser St. offers hair services, makeup, massages, waxing and much more. The salon and spa recently hosted its Fall 2011 “Forbidden Fruit” Fashion & Beauty show to raise monday for the Bergen County division of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program, a program that helps recruit and train volunteers to advocate for children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care due to abuse and/or neglect. (Fully Story)

When Cira Lo Bue was 16 years old she was fascinated by the art of hairstyling. The first step in following her dream was to enroll in one of the areas top schools, Capri Beauty School. Cira’s sister, Connie Fiduccia, also shared a passion for hairstyling, often styling family and friends' hair for special occasions. At Cira’s urging, she too decided to enroll at Capri Beauty School.

Eventually, Cira began working at Olga’s Salon on Palisade Avenue and Connie at Sheer Honesty on Lemoine Avenue, both in Fort Lee. In September 1991, Olga decided to retire and offered Cira the chance to buy the salon; hence, was born. (Full Story)

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And as you're making the rounds on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or any other day during this holiday season for that matter, you're going to want to grab a bite to eat at some point. And Fort Lee has a great abundance of great places to eat.

Below are but a few; depending on your appetite or what you happen to be in the mood for, try these "Patch Picks" on for size (or taste):

• at 1475 Bergen Blvd. (Full Story)

• at 116 Main St. (Full Story)

• Khloe Bistrot at 200 Main St. (Full Story)

• at 2020 Central Rd. (Full Story)

• at 515 Main St. (Full Story)

• at 1636 Palisade Ave. (Full Story)

• at 2053 Lemoine Ave. (Full Story)

• at 1636 Palisade Ave. (Full Story)

• at 807 Abbott Blvd. (Full Story)

• at 2469 Lemoine Ave. (Full Story)

• at 1345 Palisade Ave. (Full Story)

And here's wishing you and yours a very happy Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and most of all, a very happy holiday season from all of us at Fort Lee Patch!