LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — The day after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Black Friday brings crowds to stores as shoppers search for the best bargain possible.
Mandy McBryde knows the sensation of Black Friday all too well, but doesn't work at a big box store.
"Black Friday is big for us, and this whole weekend is a big shopping weekend for us," McBryde said.
McBryde is the general manager of Domestic Domestic in Little Rock, which is locally owned and operated.
Just because they're not one of the bigger stores doesn't mean this time of year isn't busy for them.
"It's really fun to be able to participate in that gift-giving," McBryde said. "We truly enjoy it."
While there may be deals at chain stores, Domestic Domestic and other local stores are also offering deals of their own.
And they needed that boost during this time of the year.
"If you love your local shops, in your neighborhood or in your city, it's really important to support them on days like today," McBryde said. "Because that's what keeps them here."
McBryde said the community aspect is what sets them apart from bigger stores.
"There's definitely a feeling of community, I think, on Black Friday here, in a local shop, a local small business," she said.
You could buy online – Domestic Domestic does do that – but McBryde said being in person has a different feel.
"We honestly go above and beyond for our customers, and we love to do that," McBryde said. "That's why we're here, and so I think that this is something that we offer that you can't find in a big box store."
So this holiday shopping season, McBryde said to think of the local stores as well.
"It is important to shop at those places on Black Friday to keep them in your communities," McBryde said.