All across New Jersey, Small Business Saturday patrons showed their support for local shops and restaurants.

Montclair hosted live music, free parking and outdoor shopping as business owners hope this holiday season will give a boost to struggling local shops during the pandemic.

Community leaders say nearly 30 local businesses have closed in downtown Montclair during the pandemic.

However, around seven businesses have opened during the pandemic, including And Son – a boutique clothing and custom furniture store.

"We opened up during the pandemic two months ago. It all started when I moved home at the beginning of the pandemic and me and my mom started collaborating on furniture," says And Son co-owner Benjamin Stricof. "We think it's important to keep things like this going, especially during the pandemic, to keep things normal in the town."

Montclair has provided small businesses with grants to help pay for rent and opened streets for outdoor dining to help.

The Senate in 2011 unanimously passed a resolution in support of Small Business Saturday, and all 50 states participate.