Shop till you drop supporting local businesses

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After Black Friday comes Small Business Saturday, a great way to support local businesses in your community.

Every transaction counts and local businesses are getting their time to shine.

“Small Business Saturday is so special whether it is retail, whether it’s coffee shops or anything. It really does make a difference in getting that one on one interaction and just the support really brings Wilmington together,” store owner Kelsey Light said.

Light said this is her second Small Business Saturday and is thankful for the support the community has given her.

“It’s so important, it’s more than just the holiday and the sales. Each transaction truly makes a difference and it’s a sense of community, so we get to learn about our customers and keeping that kind of personal basis is a wonderful thing,” Light said.

When store owners know their customers personally it is something shoppers feel makes their trip to the store a little bit more meaningful.

“That personal touch means a lot,” Shopper Lisa Dinkins said.

Dinkins said she enjoys shopping locally and finds the items to be more unique and tailored to her style.

“I think it makes sense to support the local business owners before seeking gifts elsewhere,” Dinkins said.

While shopping on Small Business Saturday brings in more business for some store owners, they hope customers continue to shop local all year long.

“If you guys don’t come shop with us, then we collapse and we are part of the community. If you love your city and your town then we are apart of that,” store owner Anna LaRue said.

One of Light’s favorite parts of being a store owner is the connections she makes with her customers.

“Me being the buyer, I really take pride in finding those special pieces that you won’t find in a chain store,” Light said.

A notable characteristic that isn’t always found in other places.