Hear why some locals made a decision to shop small today — AFTER THE GAME

One business owner in OR says Small Business Saturday makes up a majority of sales for the year. She said she has heard from people who have directly benefited from the money the raised.

Also going on, the second year of the Shop Local Saturday Holiday Market in the Paddock Arcade.

“Last year we saw a boost to the economy with small businesses”.

“We can’t compete with Black Friday, but hopefully shop small will be the competition today”, said Marc Baudendistel, who owns AntiquiTeas in Winter Garden.

Owner Jack Kellogg says they saw several hundred people flock to the store, looking for a one of kind hat.

Down the road at Tangles Salon and Boutique, they too enjoy encouraging Oklahomans to shop small.

Some stores in the Charleston are offering discounts for their customers.

“It means a lot more than just giving a sale to people”.

Tara Laase-McKinney, the Promotions and Events Coordinator for the Marquette Downtown Development Authority answers, “More of people’s dollars stay in the local community when they are buying from locally owned businesses”.

Small businesses like these have found the most important aspect of business is you, the customer. “It’s wonderful what you’re going to find in these local small shops”. We know them by name and they know us. “They’ve helped a lot getting the word out, bringing people out and bringing little bags and stickers to give away to people so that was really nice of them to do”.

“That is a big part of what keeps us here”. “It’s most important to us because you’re supporting yourselves”. Noting that the Valley has its shopping perks, “and all the arts and the crafts and the unique gifts that you can’t find anywhere else”.