QUINCY, ILL. -- We've all heard of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. But this year, American Express is introducing Americans to Small Business Saturday. If you're looking for that perfect holiday gift to give, small businesses are hoping you'll consider them: locally owned, independently operated retailers and restaurants.
It's all part of a one day event called, Small Business Saturday.
Randy Stocker's the owner of Great debate Books in Quincy. He says for every $100 spent in locally owned stores, $68 comes back to the community, compared to just $43 from a national retailer.
"Anytime you spend money locally, that money stays in our community, whether it's through charity, whether it's through employees keeping the money here. Myself as a business owner, all my money stays here in Quincy, whereas some of the bigger chains and stuff like that, sometimes the money leaves and goes to the national headquarters," said Stocker.
Stocker says to shop in town, rather than wait for campaigns like Cyber Monday.
"Anytime you buy something over the interest, there's actually not a penny that stays locally," said Stocker. "It goes to wherever that company's at. There's no sales tax for the cities and states. Is it more convenient? Probably. Is it better for the community? Not a chance."
Saturday, American Express gave patrons $25 back for shopping at a small business.
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