Shop Small, Spend Big

 In just a few weeks, stores across the country will gear up for the biggest shopping day of the year.

But it’s not black Friday that will have downtown buzzing.

Downtown is filled with unique shops, and special finds.

That’s why Small Business Saturday is so important. Owners of locally owned downtown shops say they’ve become dependent on the revenue the day brings in.

Once a year, the day after Black Friday, shoppers are encouraged to shop small, but spend big.

“Small business Saturday has become something were almost dependent on,” says Unglued Owner, Ashley Morken.

And the rest of downtown Fargo too.

“It brings out others that just want to come out and support us and all of downtown Fargo which that’s the only way we all can survive is together,” says Gregg Robbins with Pinch & Pour.

Small business Saturday is a relatively new concept, but has become like any other Thanksgiving weekend tradition.

It’s particularly big in Fargo. Unglued just opened its new shop in Sioux Falls.

Morken says there, small business Saturday is growing, but in Fargo it’s guaranteed to be big.

“We couldn’t imagine doing this anywhere but downtown. Just because of the community it builds and how supportive businesses are of each other, in knowing that if one person thrives we all thrive together,” says Morken.

“We always promote it on our Facebook page, and just definitely get the word out. It’s just a great thing to do to support different businesses. Shop local!” says Jenna McKay, Shannalee Boutique Manager.

“Small business Saturday is something all the shops here in downtown Fargo look forward to throughout the year and that’s because it helps them get through the winter season of ups and downs in retail.”

And by shopping local, you’re guaranteed your very own find.

“We bring in unique gifts, unique clothing we try to bring in different products that nobody else has,” says Robbins.

“Downtown has become a cluster and community of small businesses that are locally owned and have really unique things going on,” says Morken.

A busy thanksgiving weekend, that these small town shops wouldn’t have any other way.

American Express launched the holiday tradition.

The first ever Small town Saturday started in 2011. The following year, American Express estimates $5.5 billion was spent at small businesses across the country.