TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - It's time for holiday shopping and all across the country, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as "Small Business Saturday."
Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, people are encouraged to visit local stores to get their gifts.
This is the eighth year that Leon County has promoted "Small Business Saturday."
"All those dollars that people spend here go right into our local economy. Small business support two out of three jobs in the United States, and they have a huge impact on our local economies," said Tallahassee Economic Vitality Director, Christina Paredes.
This year, the city and county highlighted Betton Place, a shopping center in Tallahassee's Midtown area with several local businesses.
Betton Place is the same complex where tragedy struck earlier this month, when a shooter killed two people at Hot Yoga Tallahassee.
"I think it is important that we all as business owners as local business owners support one another," said Rebels' Midtown Boutique Owner, Kelley Ausley.
Local store owners at Betton Place said that shopping local at local small businesses provides a more personal feel to the shopping experience.
"We try to get very unique things that you can't find in the big stores, the big box stores and that's how we survive. So, we are very dependent on the community," said Haute Headz Salon Owner, Nikki Clark.
"I enjoy giving back to the community by supporting businesses that are local and helping people who are trying to create a brand or a business for themselves," said Ashley Bryant.
But the question all small businesses face is how to compete with the big-box stores.
"You got to stay on the cutting edge with social media," said Ausley.
"You have to stay competitive, and you have to always be on your game," said Clark.
