Supporting small businesses creates an impact that goes beyond the purchase

"Small Business Saturday is the kickoff to a busy Christmas season", said Cynthia Fogdall, owner of Taters, located on Main Street in downtown Boise.

Business owners in Woodland Park say they did not know what to expect for this year's Small Business Saturday, or as they call it, Shop Small Saturday. Shoppers like Tabitha Griffin said she's thinking small this year to help local businesses. Judy Laughlin, owner of Wildrose Floral Design, said the community really understands the importance of small businesses.

"It's really showing us that our locals are the backbone of our small businesses here in downtown", Sayers said. "This year, our locals have really shown us that they really want us here and they will pull through for our small businesses especially here in downtown", Sayers said. Many businesses in the area, such as Walrus Subs in Niles, had to close their doors for good. She said the store is still working to make up for lost sales during the COVID-19 shutdown.

"It was one of those things where you had to deal with it, adapt, change and do some different things".

But 2020 is just different, McCall said.

"I'm glad people are shopping", Carlini said.

"Our community is fabulous", she said.

Neal's Shoes will be running a 20 percent discount storewide over the weekend. It's one of their busiest days of the year.

"It's really important for us to all be supporting each other right now", Steele said.

The pandemic has put stress on many in the business world financially.

"It's been a little bit lower", he said. "I think the curfew from 10 p.m.to 5 a.m. shifted some Black Friday business to later in the day", Pendleton said, as the weekend immediately after Thanksgiving is typically steady for the business.

One thing that stood out this year, however, was that customers seemed to be "exceptionally" happy and patient Saturday compared to the last several months, Pendleton said.

What sets small businesses apart, McCall said, is that they don't just take people's money and send them on their way.

"I always go for local coffee over a chain", Tracy said. "I always try to find local".

"People have been dropping a lot, and then not shopping a lot", Carlini said.

Andie Gatziolis, who owns Peace Offerings, a gift shop in Algonquin, said downtown business owners are putting everything into keeping their stores successful.

Having a small business is all about the relationships, Carlini said.

Business owners said now more than ever, they're relying on customer support and innovation.