Small Business Saturday | Video

Chris Williams | 11/17/2012

It`s a tradition that many have with friends and family, get up early on Black Friday and hit all the big stores in search of the best discounts. But the day after Black Friday is becoming just as popular.

Last year more than 100 million people across the country go shopping on Small Business Saturday. And some business in Williston are gearing up for the big day.

Downtown Williston is filled with locally-owned stores, and that`s what one resident likes to see.

"Small business, as we all know, is the backbone of American business. Yeah, we might have a Walmart and some other mega stores in the area. But, you know, this country was founded in the strength of small business," said Williston resident Michael Carr.

Larry Lynne has seen his business at Larry Lynne Antiques grow quite a bit recently. Two years ago he had a record setting year in sales, and business has only been going up.

"The following year was, maybe a 10 percent increase, and this year I except a 10, 15, or maybe even 20 percent increase," he said.

Next door at Books on Broadway business is booming too. Shopping at small businesses gives people a different atmosphere than a big box store.

"I met a lot of knew people that are in town that are new to town, and it`s fun to talk to them and find out where they`re from and why they came here, and I don`t think they get that in the big stores," said owner Chuck Wilder.

Both stores will be open on Small Business Saturday.

"I actually will be giving away a door prize. I give away a 50 dollar gift certificate Friday and Saturday," Lynne added.

The argument some make against smaller stores is prices are higher, but Carr says all in all shopping locally is worth the extra dollar.

"Yeah I might pay a little more but I`ll be out of the store even quicker, and I can get on about my business. I`m parked right there, the store`s right here, I walked 1/4 of a mile to enter Walmart earlier."

Most stores downtown already have signs up for the big day.

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