Black Friday in the Somerset Hills — a Quieter Alternative

There isn't any concerted effort by the Bernards Township Chamber of Commerce to compete with the malls for shoppers on Black Friday, said Chamber President Barbara Long — although she noted that such a promotion might always be a good idea for the future.

Instead, she said, chamber members will decide on an individual basis whether they will conduct Black Friday promotions and participate in Small Business Saturday.

Even so, shops such as Apogee in downtown Basking Ridge are holding a pre-holiday sale on Friday and beyond. The shop also is participating in Small Business Saturday.

"The Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce kindly encourages people to support our chamber members as they work year round to support the communities they operate within," added Al LiCata, executive director of the chamber.

He noted chamber members can be found on our website at www.bernardstwpregionalchamber.org or on our facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BernardsTownshipRegionalChamberOfCommerce?ref=hl

'The Bernards Township Regional Chamber of Commerce offers year round assistance in locating businesses for customers or referring goods and services," LiCata said.

Meanwhile Greg Cordasco, owner of Liberty Cycle in downtown Basking Ridge, said he sees an uptick in area residents who shop locally in recent years.

"I think people want local businesses to survive," Cordasco said.

Cordasco added that his shop will be closed on Friday, but open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Extend Christmas into January in Bernardsville

The Toy Store in Bernardsville at 80 Bernardsville Road, open for 21 years, will be open on both days.

Meagan Faraher, owner of The Toy Store, said that the store is offering a Small Business Saturday promotion of offering a $10 gift certificate for January for any customer who spends at least $100.