Why small businesses may be perfect for holiday shopping

10th Anniversary of Small Business Saturday

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - Black Friday and Cyber Monday dominate the post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping spree.

But small business owners are hoping you'll support them this season too!

This Saturday marks the 10th anniversary of the Shop Small Movement.

There are over a dozen small retail businesses in the Historic Downtown Yuma area.

According to American Express, about 52% of small business revenue goes right back into the local economy.

Black Friday marks the official start of the holiday shopping season.

As shoppers bombard big-box retailers, some curious spenders wander off into local small retailers hunting for a bargain.

Joely Kahlen is the owner & operator of Dream Gift Shop.

She told News 11, “Black Friday shoppers walking in the doors and finding everything else we have to offer is basically advertising in itself.”

Kahlen started her business in 2004 and has owned a brick and mortar storefront on Madison Avenue in Yuma for 7-years.

As a small business owner, she says word of mouth is the marketing money can't buy.

"We find that a lot of our customers are very loyal to us. They love shopping for a small business motto. The family-run business motto,” Kahlen said.

Dream Gift Shop makes most of their money during the holiday season.

Kahlen said, “A lot of people come in because they can get those things that are very different."

From high-end brands and Oprah’s Favorite Things to unique knick-knacks, Kahlen believes small businesses are perfect for holiday shopping.

"It’s all about the big circle of keeping people taken care of in your community."

There will be a Small Business Saturday Pop-up Market on November 30th at the Arizona Lighting Company.

Shoppers can buy from local and online small businesses from 9 am till 2 pm.