Small Business Saturday boosts sales

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Customers are still in the shopping frenzy, long after Black Friday's mad rush.

"I think that's a really good idea to have the small business Saturday and get out and support the small businesses because I think that's what brings personality to your community, supports the people that go out of their way because it's a major expense and its hard work to have a small business, I'm sure," Customer Genie Fowler said.

This time around, shoppers like Fowler keep coming back to The Country Cabin in Meadows Shopping Center for a local feel.

"They have just different things that are creative that you're not going to find at the big box store, the chain stores," Fowler said.

Created by American Express three years ago, Small Business Saturday focuses on boosting the local economy nationwide.

Last year, over one hundred million people shopped small.    

"This morning, right when we opened our doors, we were busy," The Country Cabin Owner Kelly Rost said.

In downtown Terre Haute, The Passion Window Gallery said it had about 60 customers.

"A few of the customers mentioned that it was Small Business Saturday and I was really glad that they made me a part of it and stopped by our store," The Passion Window Gallery Owner Vickey Costello said.

Costello said the event seems to be growing because this year is the first she's heard of it.

Dedicated business owners do what they love, all thanks to their community support.

"I have so much passion for what I go out to find and share with others and I think that a lot of people after being here a while will understand that," Costello said.

"My mom works with me, and as long as we can keep on going, we're going to keep on going," Rost said.

News 10 checked in with other businesses.

Coffee Grounds and Corner Grind both said they were busier as a result of the day.