Local shoppers spend big with Small Business Saturday

With Black Friday behind us, many local businesses are hoping that shoppers spend big with Small Business Saturday.

"I was pleasantly surprised to come down the street this morning and see so many people on the street, it was really nice to see," said Linda Weshphal, owner of Rowhouse in Manayunk.

On Saturday, local shops in Manayunk, Fishtown, Doylestown and across the bridge in Haddonfield, New Jersey - were just a few hoping that customers shopping 'small' would drop some large cash.

Republic Bank paraded down the streets of Haddonfield to one of their small business lenders - Hanna's Gourmet Kitchen, promoting the American entrepreneur.

"We think it's great to support the local business community. We think entrepreneurship is a wonderful part of the business community," said Sharon Hammel, Republic Bank.

"We miss the small town experience of the holidays," said Dennis Brennan.

Four years ago, Small Business Saturday began with the "Shop small" slogan, urging Americans to choose local stores over big box chains.

American Express was behind the original idea but each year small businesses like Latitudes and Longitudes in Manayunk continue to see more and more people come out on this day as they realize the more that you spend here, stays here.

"Small businesses are literally like the backbone of America," said Meredith Podob, owner of Latitudes and Longitudes.

"They build up this town it's so nice. It's great to have people from around here shopping and it's almost like a neighborhood," said Kathlyn Drewizz.

"Most of our owners actually live five miles within Main Street. They are literally going to eat at the restaurant next door, they are spending money locally and supporting the nonprofits and community groups," said Caitlin Maloney, Manayunk Development Corp.

There are more than 23 million small businesses across the country.

Sales on this say in the past two years have surpassed $5 billion.

Owners are embracing it and shoppers are making it a yearly tradition just like Black Friday and Cyber Monday - only this day feels a little more personal.

"Our customers are our neighbors, our friends, people we know socially or people we've met in the last year of being open," said Casey Lynch, co-owner of Street Glitter Gallery.