This weekend, smaller is better when it comes to shopping in Hudson County.

A band of trendy stores in Hudson have joined the Shop Local program which means great discounts for shoppers.  The list includes some of Hoboken and Jersey City’s hottest boutiques. Tia’s Place (www.tiasplace.com), pictured here, is one of our very favorites.

You can find the list at www.getouthudson.com/shoplocal. Just download and print the PDF file, and bring it with you when you hit the streets tomorrow. You’ll get up to 20 percent off, and be supporting some of the businesses that have helped these cities build character, flavor, and frankly, real estate values. 

Organizer Tamara Remedios, of Get Out Hudson says, “People love seeing the cute boutique stores opening up in their communities; however, if the residents don’t go in and support them they will close up and go away.”

The offer includes more than clothing stores.  The Hoboken Dance Academy will give you a break on lessons, The Secret Chef (www.thesecretchefllc.com) is discounting on-line orders, and your favorite beauty treatment will cost less at Imago Beauty Group.

The Hudson initiative is part of a national calling by the American Independent Business Alliance. AMIBA (www.amiba.net/Unchained.html) lists other small businesses across the state who have signed up to participate in what it calls American Unchained.

Whether or not your favorite downtown store is a member, we think you should take a minute this weekend to support this small business. After all, what would your Main Street be, without the brick and mortar that holds it all together?