Shoppers shop local on 'Small Biz Saturday'

SEATTLE -- Local shops wooed thousands of customers to forgo the big-box stores and shop local.

Black Friday’s over but the shopping continues and it hits closer to home with small business Saturday.

“There’s no reason to go to the big box store when you've got all these things so close to you and you can support people trying to make it,” Woodshop Bar-b-que owner Matt Davis said.

In only six years, Small Business Saturday has become a permanent part of the holiday shopping tradition. Local businesses creating enticing deals and venues to showcase their product.

“We've got three local food trucks as well as American Express giving out some gift cards Chuck's hop shop is donating some beers from local breweries,” Seattle small business owner Syd Suntha added. “I definitely see especially in Seattle more people interested in helping out the smog guy rather than waiting in line all night just get a TV that's like 10 bucks cheaper.”

An event in Ballard brought local food tucks, breweries and shops together.

“It just gets the community understand just how much stuff is really close to them on regular basis,” Davis explained.

The nationwide event encourages shoppers to spend money in their own community.

“They're kind of the blood of our community so it'd be cool to see more of this throughout the year

Shops in neighborhoods like Ballard wait for this day all year,” Laura Howard said while shopping in Ballard.

This day is not just about comradery and fun, last year shoppers across the U.S. spent $14.3 billion at local businesses last Small business Saturday.