Wisconsinites turn out for Small Business Saturday

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- With the infamous Black Friday now over, many were out in Southeast Wisconsin shopping for 'Small Business Saturday'.

More than 20 businesses in the Third Ward are offering special deals here to encourage people to get out and shop small on 'Small Business Saturday'.

"It is quite a bit busier than yesterday. Yesterday we also had 20% off sale, this whole weekend, but not as many people were coming through," said Mod Gen Supervisor Kira Broadnax.

At Mod Gen in the Third Ward, people were out in for shopping at locally owned businesses.

Taking advantage of personalized services, like on-site plant potting.

"I think it really like sort of like, more personal aspect. We're really big here on just making sure everyone leaves happy," said Broadnax.

Over on Vliet, at Luce Lighting + Luxuries, Kim Garman says she's shopping small to find more personalized items.

"Really the Milwaukee culture and towards you know, you share something about from Milwaukee with people from Milwaukee, there's understanding of each other, so it seems a little bit more intimate," said Garman.

She's not alone, just down the street Jean Best at Vintage Glass Garden says Small Business Saturday is something that keeps growing year after year.

"Oh my gosh, we're so busy and we have fruitcake in case anybody's interested," said Best.

It's a national shopping day supported by American Express and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Best says the money spent at stores like hers does better for the community.

"When you're supporting a small shop like this. You're supporting 28 local artists and makers, but you're also supporting their families, their education, their student loans," said Best.

Garman says it makes you a better gift giver too.

"A little bit more well thought out than, you know, something we bought on Amazon," said Garman.

According to a study by American Express, $23.3 billion were spent on Small Business Saturday last year in 2021.