Shoppers ready for Small Businesses Saturday

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- With big box retailers opening earlier, some on Thanksgiving Day, Small Business Saturday is becoming the anti-Black Friday.

People won’t be lining up for hours to get inside or bursting through the doors, but they will be out shopping just the same.

Shoppers like Kari Compo say the smaller stores have more to offer than just big deals.

“All Targets have the same stuff, all Wal-Marts have the same stuff,” said Compo. “Any places you go down here, you’ll see this cute little gadgets and cute, little pictures and things nobody else has.”

Susan Johnson, who owns The Nest and says the day is great for downtown.

“You’ve got Black Friday, everybody runs to the big box stores. Saturday’s a great opportunity to just get to know your hometown stores, because we’ve got some great ones down here,” said Johnson. “The difference is, the money stays local.”

Though the shops may be small, many are packed with an eclectic mix of knick-knacks, trinkets and clothes.

“You’ll see this cute little gadgets and cute, little pictures and things nobody else has,” said Compo.

After two days of shopping at the big retail chains, shoppers say they will support their local businesses.

“I’d rather go to the little, tiny slow places, beautiful little stores. You know, mom and pop, little stores . You get more of a home feel,” said Compo.

Karen Allegretti says she was surprised how many people came out to shop when she first opened her shop Market Earth, a few years ago but says she appreciates the support.

“Absolutely one of our busiest days of the year,” said Allegretti. “There is a serious sense of pride around here in Fort Myers, where people want to support local businesses.”

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