Local, small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. The annual event encourages people to shop local and increases foot traffic at small businesses. The Better Business Bureau estimates 100-million people shopped during last year's event and retail experts expect this year Small Business Saturday will be even bigger.
"We just celebrated our 40th anniversary this year," says Corn Crib Nursery Owner Duane White.
The family owned business in Coal Valley is getting ready for Small Business Saturday.
"It's true we're not on the beaten path for a lot of Quad Citians, but we try to make it worth your while to come out here," adds White.
The green house and landscaping business is focusing on the holidays. Corn Crib's owners are hoping Small Business Saturday, along with an open house, will help the store grow.
"I think it's great that the small business is being recognized," adds White, "People are paying attention that this is what our country was built on and it's been small businesses from the beginning."
Small Business Saturday is also a way for local stores to make their mark on customers.
"I've been doing Facebook posts and we have mats," says Amy Trimble, Owner of Watermark Corners, "I'll probably send out Facebook posts in morning and probably an email early in the morning."
One of the draws for shopping local is more money stays in the community.
"We are invested in the community and much more of each dollar spent is invested into the community," adds Trimble.
As Small Business Saturday becomes more popular, locally owned stores will continue to see the benefits the event brings and store owners are waiting to see how many Saturday shoppers will come out.
"I'm seeing more buzz about, so I'll be interested to see if that translates into an increase in sales," says Trimble.
