After the big box retailers compete for the most sales on Gray Thursday and Black Friday, small businesses get their due in the American Express-sponsored Small Business Saturday.
Three years ago, American Express began pitching Small Business Saturday, which offers registered card holders a $10 credit on their statement if they spend $10 or more in a single purchase at a qualifying small business.
The federal Small Business Administration and U.S. Chamber of Commerce have lauded the event, and it's taken off on Main Streets across the U.S. This year Westminster, Sykesville, Taneytown and Mount Airy all have deals going on in shops along Main Street in their respective towns.
Mike McMullin, the president of the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, said that a small change can have a huge effect on the local economy.
"If everybody in Carroll would even do a small portion of their holiday shopping local, it would make a huge difference to some of these businesses," he said.
A 2012 Civic Economics study found that while big box retailers spent approximately 13 percent of revenue in their communities, small businesses spent 47 percent of revenue in the local community.
McMulllin said he understands not every item on a holiday shopping list can be purchased from a local establishment.
"We owe it to our neighbors to try to look at some of the local shops," he said.
Ivy Wells, Main Street Manager of Sykesville, said while she encourages people to come to Main Street on Saturday, the town is sponsoring other events throughout the Christmas season as well.
Main Street has several new shops this holiday season, including Salazon Chocolate Co. & Market and Unwined Candle Company.
Next Saturday, Dec. 7, the town will sponsor 12 hours of Christmas, where shops will be open until midnight with specials, she said.
While select stores in Westminster will offer specials on Small Business Saturday, the town's shops will also be open Dec. 6 until 10 p.m. for Starlight Shopping. There will be live music, horse-drawn carriages and a bonfire for roasting marshmallows.
Taneytown does not currently have any particular events listed on its website, but several shops will have specials on Small Business Saturday.
Melissa Hoyle, of the town of Mount Airy, said this holiday shopping season has been difficult for Mount Airy because of construction on Main Street. Construction will be suspended this Saturday, and soon the sidewalk will be replaced, she said.
Some shops on Mount Airy's Main Street are participating in a raffle for gift cards to the stores, which will be drawn on Monday.
"Big box stores especially already have this shining spotlight this time of year. It's nice to recognize our small businesses on one day," Hoyle said.
