LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) – With the holiday shopping season in full swing, local businesses are preparing for one of the year’s busiest weekends: Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. These two days are crucial for retailers, big and small, as they strive to make the most of the shopping frenzy.

Local Shops Ready to Meet Holiday Demand

From unique gifts like teddy bears, wine glasses, and cheeseboards, small businesses offer a variety of options for holiday shoppers. Irma Barrios de Saldivar, co-owner of Shop 195, shares, “Here you’ll find jewelry, gifts – big ones and small ones – and a little bit of everything for everyone.”

The store’s manager, Mia Villarreal, emphasized the importance of the season by saying, “We’re making sure to stock a wide range of products for all price ranges to accommodate each customer’s needs.”

What Is Small Business Saturday?

Small Business Saturday, held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, is a national movement encouraging shoppers to support local businesses instead of big-box retailers.

• Founded: By American Express in 2010
• Co-sponsored: By the U.S. Small Business Administration since 2011
• Impact: In 2023, U.S. spending at small businesses on this day was projected at $17 billion, contributing to a total of $201 billion since its inception.

Laredo Chamber of Commerce Encourages Shopping Local

The Laredo Chamber of Commerce is rallying the community to shop small this holiday season.
Gilbert Bermea, chairman of the Small Business Committee, emphasized the importance of keeping dollars within the community. “We want to shop small and local all year round because dollars spent here stay in our community,” he said.

Holiday Shopping Trends

According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, consumers plan to spend $125 billion over the Thanksgiving weekend, slightly less than last year’s $130 billion.

After Small Business Saturday comes Cyber Monday, taking place this Monday, Dec. 2, as shoppers continue to hunt for deals online.

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