Local stores see an increase in shoppers on Small Business Saturday

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Black Friday officially kicked off the holiday shopping season yesterday, but today, local businesses are seeing a boost in sales because of Small Business Saturday.

American Express started the shopping event six years ago to encourage shoppers to support more small businesses. Pat Holleman who is president of Port City Pottery and Fine Crafts says it’s made a noticeable difference for the business.

“It certainly has helped our business over the years and continues . We’re having a very good day today and we expect it to continue to the evenings.”

Other businesses were even offering special promotions for the day.

“There are fortune cookies and inside the fortune cookies, once you break them open, there are three different discounts,” said Occasions Just Write owner Peggy Mahan.