BELLEVUE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The holiday shopping season is in full swing. While many million dollar corporations are offering great deals, some are choosing to shop local for "Small Business Saturday" instead.
Dozens of people showed up to Red Caboose Park in Bellevue for their Small Business Saturday event. This year was the was Handmade Nashville's 4th annual holiday arts and crafts show.
"I think when everyone knows we have a purpose they want to support local businesses," said Chandler Cartozzo, vendor, "That’s what makes this show so great. Even if its raining, it's our community and we are going to support our people."
Every vendor at this event lives in Middle Tennessee. Cartozzo, who owns Chandler's Dezigns, says what started out as a hobby became a source of income. She adds that "Small business Saturday" is an opportunity to support local families.
"Every dollar that is spent at a small business 67 cents stay in your local economy so its important to shop small not only on business Saturday but all the time," said Cartozzo.
According to American Express, Small business saturday has generated 103 billion dollars in consumer spending over the last 10 years. Nashville is ranked as one of the top five cities in the country for spending.
"Shopping here helps someone do something their financial future," said Bill Crittenden, owner of Crittenden Custom Creations, " it could be sending a son or daughter to college, or a new house. It's supporting locals and not giving the money to a million dollar corporation."
For many of these businesses, "Small business Saturday" is one of their busiest and best sales day of the year.
