Shoppers head out for Small Business Saturday

Small Business Saturday started this morning, and many Triangle businesses participated in the shopping event.

The goal of Small Business Saturday is to promote and celebrate the contribution of small businesses and the impact they have on communities.

WRAL News spoke to the owner of Black Friday Market, a store in downtown Raleigh that allows small business owners the opportunity to sell their products.

The owner, Shawn Smith, said he and other small businesses look forward to the day, which falls the day after Black Friday.

“Tourists can come in and interact with the stores,” Smith said. “With a store like this, we have a bunch of products from local businesses, and it provides another opportunity for people to come in and experience things they wouldn’t experience where they are from.”

Thousands have also been going to the Christmas Carousel Market, where many small business owners and vendors gather to sell their products during the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Many people prefer shopping at small businesses instead of large retailers. According to a study by Bankrate, roughly 61% of shoppers are likely to choose Small Business Saturday for their holiday shopping.

The businesses remain open until 9 p.m., so there’s still time to support local businesses before shops close.