KIRKWOOD, Mo. — Black Friday is winding down, but that doesn't mean the shopping is over.
Small Business Saturday is an opportunity to support all those little stores and boutiques that keep our communities vibrant.
It all started back in 2010 by American Express, who wanted to support small businesses in the recession.
Since then, sales on this day have reached a reported estimate of $103 billion. If you think about it, that's $103 billion over 9 days alone.
"We expect to be really busy, it's one of our best days in the year for sure," said Nancy McGee, the owner of Fun in the Sun in Kirkwood. "You're going to find the unique assortment that you’re not going to find anywhere else."
She, along with other owners, are excited for their stores to make a big impact.
"The statistic is 67 cents per dollar of small businesses go back to the community and online sales don't approach that anywhere close," McGee said.
Over at Sammysoap, they're ready for shoppers, to soak in their unique experience. All the soaps are handmade. They even have a factory, where you can see them make the soap.
It just shows you all the hard work, small shops, like Sammysoap put into their community. And now, they hope they can get that support right back.
"It's a chance for you to give to your home team, that is what it's about!" said Karen Copeland, one of the owners.
Seeds of Happiness is also excited to push for the small business mentality.
Their store started back in 2010 with a local artist, Mark Borella, using scraps of clay rolling them into little smiles.
"When Mark's friends needed a smile, he would take one and say here's a smile, hope it grows," Bill Elcan, president of the business, said.
Just like that smile, small mom and pop shops hope their business grows, as well.
"If it wasn't for them, we couldn't stay sustainable as a business," Elcan added.
