small business saturday

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — Small Business Saturday is in its 15th year after being created by American Express as a way to put small, locally owned businesses in the spotlight.

According to the US Small Business Administration, small business shoppers spent around 17 billion dollars last year nationally.

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Maddie Hoyos is a stylist at Style Me Boutique. She said they had 10% off the entire store and a buy one get one deal.

She said people were excited to holiday shop while items were on sale.

“It was a little less than Black Friday but it was still a good Saturday afternoon and everyone was coming out in good spirits,” said Hoyos.

Hoyos’ manager, Cathleen Lenard said Saturday was slower than she’s seen in past years.

“A lot of people can’t afford to come out and spend the amount of money they usually do so that’s why we try as a small business to give back and do a little bit more extra specials this year for people who are looking for that really good deal,” said Lenard.

The Small Business Administration said every dollar spent locally adds an additional 48 cents to local business activity since local merchants and their employees purchase local goods and services.

Studies show that small businesses contribute 250% more to community groups, schools, and non-profit organizations than big box stores.

Angela Waldriff manager at Centro Shoes can attest to this.

She said shopping locally is so important for our community.

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“Keeps the businesses here, keeps the selection, and supports people that are your friends your family that live in your community, it’s always the most important thing,” said Waldriff.

Waldriff said business was very successful and estimates around a hundred people came in to shop Saturday.

Overall, all the stores said Black Friday was busier to some extent than Saturday, but overall had a successful two days of deals.