A few years ago when I had just moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, I had a shoddy lamp that needed repair. I knew the lamp needed a replacement prong, but I didn't want to fix it myself. Near my apartment I had Home Depot and Lowe's, but I was looking for a local hardware store. I couldn't find one. Anywhere. It's not that I didn't like the big box stores, but I knew I needed special attention. I wanted someone to take the lamp from me, repair it, and all I would have to do is pay for it.

Also, I wanted to visit a hardware store that smelled like the ones I was used to shopping at in New York City. The ones whose floorboards creak as you wander the narrow aisles.

The upshot of the story is that I finally did find a local hardware store. And they fixed my lamp. But more importantly, I found a place I could go to for duct tape, screws, and whatever else I needed.

Now that I'm back in New Jersey, I'm rekindling my love affair with the local hardware store. A few months ago, after we'd moved into our new home, I was walking home from Watchung Plaza. My son was in the stroller. Something came loose and I thought my front wheel would come off. So I gently rolled into American Royal and asked for help. One of the guys flipped open his kit of washers and bolts and fixed my stroller.

Today, Saturday, kicks off Montclair's Independent Retail Week.

It's a time when we can show our local shopkeepers how much we need them and how much we appreciate them.

I get it. Big box stores are convenient. They're one-stop shopping and often cheaper than independent stores — though not always. But I grew up in a family business and learned what happens when stores like Staples come to town. It's hard to compete.

So, today and all week, make an effort to stop by Aunt Jean's Toys & Treats, Little Shoebox, and Watchung Booksellers. Enjoy the weeklong discounts and buy a book or treat for your kid, because if we don't support our local stores, they may not be there the next time we need them.