Small Business Saturday Brings Shoppers Out to Support Local Stores

But after the annual Friday frenzy, many shoppers are thinking small and looking local. And that was despite the unpleasant weather in the area, as shoppers paid visits to smaller retailers the day after Black Friday.

Every year the day after Black Friday is dedicated to help the smaller businesses that might not have generated as much revenue as the larger chains during the busy shopping weekend.

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”.

“I think small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and we keep all our dollars local, it supports the community”, said Shepherd & Schaller Owner Robb Shepherd. Usually with most small businesses the owner is always there, or almost always there.

“Even people that don’t shop with us, that bought things online, we still try to help them out”. And Miller says she’s already feeling the big support this holiday season.

Like many small businesses the Curiosity Shop is offering shopping incentives. On Saturday they popped the bubbly, hoping a free tasting would draw in some new customers.

Small Business Saturday is an important part of Bozeman’s community, for residents and the local businesses it highlights. “You can go to the mall and buy 20 of the same things for Christmas, but I think people are wanting unique stuff”, said Deleeuw. Many local businesses will be extending their hours and opening seven days a week to accommodate the increase in traffic.

They are big on shopping locally all year long, but made a special effort on this Saturday.