LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Between Black Friday and Cyber Monday, there’s another shopping day that affects many in Central Arkansas.
It’s called Small Business Saturday and it was founded in 2010 as a day to support local businesses and business owners in your community.
"Small Business Saturday is a big sales day for us,” said Beth Porter, owner of Eggshells Kitchen Co. in The Heights neighborhood of Little Rock.
Eggshells Kitchen Co. has been selling cooking products since 2007, and also offers cooking classes. Porter said the store has been owned by three different Arkansans, which is reflected in what they sell.
"We like to support Arkansas-made products too, and we have a lot. In fact, these right here are all Arkansas-made products,” Porter said while gesturing behind her to one section of the store.
Right down the street is Domestic Domestic, which Manager Mandy Harrison described as a “modern-day general store.”
She said they consistently see customers come out and support businesses like Domestic Domestic on Small Business Saturday. But she said supporting businesses like this one is important every day of the year.
"It's what makes our community special,” Harrison said. “All of these different little shops that give character to a neighborhood and really become part of what you think of when you go to that area."
And customers have gotten the message.
Americans have spent an average of over $14 billion at small businesses every Small Business Saturday since it was founded, according to the Small Business Administration.
In 2023, they spent around $17 billion.
At Eggshells Kitchen Co., they took the day one step further, offering customers 20% off and hosting a tasting event for Coop’s Salsa Company, another Little Rock-based business.
"It's a time where people can feel part of a community in helping small businesses,” Porter said. “And those small businesses shop other small businesses. And so it just keeps the cycle going."
And Harrison said if you're still unsure- she invites you to give it a try and come shop at a local business. She said you'll feel the difference.
"We care,” Harrison said. “We'll go that extra mile, and we also love doing it."