Folks support local shops on Small Business Saturday

Some places in Five Points have 50% off or more.

Five years ago, American Express launched Small Business Saturday to encourage people to shop small stores.

While big box retail stores have their Black Friday and Cyber Monday, mom and pop stores are gearing up for their retail day sandwiched between those two key dates – Small Business Saturday.

Beyond the monetary benefits, shopper Andrea Waters says it’s a full experience.

“Those are obviously more commercialized so people flock to those first and they advertise themselves”, local shopper Brittney Darby said.

“The people who do come in I think enjoy the fact that they can do some hopping in kind of a more relaxed environment”. Some artist we work with exclusively, you won’t find anywhere else, Kaitlin said.

In fact, 68 dollars per every 100 dollars spent at locally owned businesses stays in the area’s economy.

“A local downtown has really interesting fun shops”, Jasmine Nelson said of Chicago.

And for many small businesses, days like today aren’t their busiest of the year.

Here on Main Street in Northampton, there’s a lot of small businesses to support including Faces.

“It keeps the small businesses growing”, said Susie Parks, who was shopping at the Melrose district. “I like to come in and try stuff on and support local businesses”.

“Our customers are like our family, we know them by name, we love to see them, we love to see them wearing our clothes!” says Harrell. “It’s been lost and I think locally owned businesses have that to offer”, says Calhoun.

“When you buy at Macy’s or some big chain store, the money goes out of the community. So supporting small shops, very important”, said Patrick.