It's not just big retailers looking for holiday shoppers to boost their bottom lines.
There's also an effort to get customers into local shops the Saturday following Thanksgiving.
It's called "Small Business Saturday."
Shop owners in downtown Muscatine hope it will draw new customers into their stores.
Salon owner Heather Fry has been styling hair here for two years. She likes downtown, although says being the little guy is tough.
"Just getting your name out there is one of the biggest I would say, just trying to keep people in the town is hard at times," says Fry.
Encouraging local shopping is the goal of "Small Business Saturday." Fry says it's a good effort. Since downtown's may not be thought of as a shopping destination.
"So many people shop outside of their city especially smaller towns and they need to know that there is a lot here to offer," says Fry.
"We hand out little candy canes that say thank you for supporting your downtown businesses," says Kathy Crosley.
She runs her women's clothing store down the street. she understands times have changed for downtown's.
"There wasn't just one boutique, there was several because there were no big box stores and malls and things like that," says Crosley.
She chooses to compete against the big retailers by being their opposite. Unique, as opposed to corporate.
"Once people find our store we tend to keep em," says Crosley.
"It's a really good idea, small business are what fuel America," says Sami Moody. She co-owns a nutrition club which opened in April.
She and her co-owner have put their time in trying to draw customers.
"Trying to get people in, going out around the community, handing out flyers, and business cards trying to get people to come into the club," says Moody.
She's a fan of any shop local efforts. Because she believes the biggest challenge is...
"Getting the rest of Muscatine to come and visit."
"Small Business Saturday" is not the only effort to increase business in Muscatine.
The Muscatine Downtown Action Alliance also organizes a holiday walk during the Christmas shopping season.
