Shoppers show up for Small Business Saturday in Wilmington

WILMINGTON (WWAY) — While many people go big at the box stores on Black Friday, a growing number of shoppers are turning to mom and pop shops for their holiday gifts.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, nearly $18 billion was spent on Small Business Saturday last year.

As part of Small Business Saturday, the “Really Cool Stuff Holiday Market” was held Saturday in downtown Wilmington. The market aims to show off and support local vendors who might not have their own brick and mortar stores.

Linda Marryat started selling her wares this year and is happy to see so much support from the local community.

“It’s wonderful to see so many people out here and supporting small business and small craftsman like myself,” Marryat said. “There’s a lot of talented people out here who are doing very well, have some beautiful things so its nice to see.”

And that wasn’t the only small business market going on in Wilmington this weekend. Recently-opened Hidden Grounds Coffee held their own market with eight vendors and a live musician.

Hidden Grounds co-owner Taylor Pfyffer says it means a lot to give vendors a chance to show off their wares.

“There’s just vendors and local businesses that just work day in and day out, morning until night, put their whole heart and soul, blood, sweat and tears into these businesses,” Pfyffer said. “So to be able to see people come out and support them and buy little things that they then can give to their family and to be able to follow them on their journey after just being exposed to them is really cool for us.”