Anchorage shoppers support Small Business Saturday

Marti Milakovich, the owner of “Vintage on Venice” in Mar Vista, said she was inspired by the connections small businesses can have with customers.

“We’ve been promoting it with our Facebook page, our e-mail list”, says Joan Wilkening, owner of Mrs. Pinkadot.

Sora & Company co-owner Tori Dowson says store has only been open for four months but they say the community has been more than welcoming. An estimated $14.3 billion was spent at small independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.

“Local stores have their own personalities to them that’s completely unique and that’s what makes an experience memorable”.

Many people will go shopping on Black Friday, but there is another shopping event the following day called Small Business Saturday. “I think this has been our best Shop Small Saturday we’ve had”.

Many shoppers in Charlottesville say they prefer to spend their holiday money locally. “You can peruse the items, it’s unique”, said Patrick.

Nitza’s clothing shop downtown was also busy setting up for the season and encouraging the community to check out all shops in the area. “Any time not just on this Saturday, but we try and get as much as we can here in town”, said Shopper, Sherry Stefancik.

In the past, American Express, which began the promotion in 2010, offered a statement credit from to for card users who shopped local on “Small Business Saturdays”.

Over at Fleet Feet sports, manager Chris Ramsey says Savannah residents have always shown their support for the local sports store.

“I think it’s fantastic, and quite honestly being here today it’s been a community”, said one shopper. But they still know the effect can last long after day’s end.

Since these stores rely on the word-of-mouth marketing technique and social media, Small Business Saturday boosts their visibility.