South Florida

Campaign Helps Boost Holiday Shopping at Small Businesses

Many South Florida consumers went holiday shopping in support of Small Business Saturday. The Shop Small campaign has gained momentum over the last few years and the trend took over social media on Saturday.

Year after year, Black Friday deals draw in large crowds at big retail chains. But after the annual Friday frenzy, many shoppers are thinking small and looking local.

Nov. 28 is Small Business Saturday. American Express leads the campaign to follow the Thanksgiving shopping boom.

The post-turkey holiday shopping push means more customers dropping by the Essence Boutique. It's just one of many Coral Gables shops proudly displaying "Shop Small" stickers on their front doors.

Just a short walk away is Wolfe's Wine Shoppe. Owners said they've been there for about 15 years. On Saturday they popped the bubbly, hoping a free tasting would draw in some new customers.

The hashtag #ShopSmallShopLocal was trending on social media, helping small businesses go the extra mile to compete with big name retailers.

"I live in the Gables, I work in the Gables, so bringing people to the Gables to shop, I think it's great. The Gables is all about a sense of community and small businesses," said Jeffrey Wolfe, owner of Wolfe's Wine Shoppe.

So before hitting the road to tackle your holiday gift list, small business owners hope you'll think twice and go small.

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