The holiday season is coming once again. Usually it’s a time small businesses look forward to as a big economic boost but this year is much different.

“We have been faced with something we never thought we would. I certainly never planned for it,” said Claudia Towles, the owner of aMuse Toys in Fells Point.

Comptroller Peter Franchot said his experts estimate more than one sixth of small businesses in Maryland have closed or will close permanently because of the pandemic.

“That’s a lot of dreams coming to an end,” said Franchot.

Every year, he encourages Marylanders to shop local and he said this year is much more important. The pandemic has changed how and where we shop.

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