SALISBURY — You’ve heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest shopping days of the year following Thanksgiving.
But how about Small Business Saturday?
Created by American Express in 2010 to support independent merchants, Small Business Saturday on the Saturday after Thanksgiving has become a nationwide marketing event aimed at encouraging people to shop at locally owned businesses.
Last year, consumers who were aware of the promotion spent $5.5 billion at independent retailers, according to the National Federation of Independent Business and American Express.
The annual event continues to gain steam, and many Salisbury merchants will participate Saturday with sales and specials.
Caniche at 200 S. Main St. is offering 20 percent off the next visit to shoppers who spend at least $20 on Saturday.
At The Perfect Smoke, 213 S. Lee St., boxes of cigars will be 20 percent off. The Last Word book store at 612 W. Innes will take five percent off all purchases on Saturday.
The Lettered Lily, 109 W. Fisher St., is offering several specials, including free personalization for people who buy at least two boxes of stationery and up to 50 percent off select merchandise.
Shoppers headed to mom-and-pop stores on Saturday probably won’t stand in line for hours or walk out with appliances or flat screen TVs. But they will know they’ve made a difference in their community, advocates say.
“If you want to make a difference this holiday season, shop local and shop small,” said Gregg Thompson, North Carolina state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. “Small and independent business owners are among the most generous supporters of civic groups, local charities, youth sports, schools and virtually every other form of community activity.”

Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.