Looking to bypass the Black Friday madness? Small Business Saturday may be the right path to follow.

Started by American Express, Small Business Saturday is set for November 26 and the day is a perfect way for citizens to show support for their hometown business, according to Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce Director Tonya Stevens.

“It’s a great way to put emphasis on our local stores,” Stevens said about the event. “With all the different events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, American Express started the initiative and created this event to encourage people to shop locally during the holiday season.”

And the event has seen its fair share of success locally, Stevens added, as the community continues to rally behind their local shops.

“This is an event we really want to promote,” Stevens said. “We always wanted to encourage people to shop local everyday, but this event goes great with the holiday season. We want people to see what’s available at our local shops, whether you’re buying a gift that isn’t available at a big retail store, or you stop by one of our local restaurants.

“Shopping local is also great because that money goes back into the community,” she continued. “And during this time of the year, visiting one of the locally-owned stores helps not only the customer’s family, but the owner’s family too.”

According to American Express, 95 million consumers shopped on Small Business Saturday last year, up 8.2 percent from 2014. Additionally, U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday spent $16.2 billion at local and independent businesses on that day. The event has seen support from the national level. The U.S. Senate approved a resolution unanimously supporting the day in 2011 and the event has been championed from elected officials across the state, including President Barack Obama. 

The Elizabethton Downtown Business Association President Cathy Shoun, who operates the The Dressing Room, added the event is always welcomed by shop owners and that excitement has been brewing since the holiday season in downtown officially kicked off with the annual Open House event.

“It goes with the time of the year,” Shoun recently told the Elizabethton Star. “It’s always great to see shoppers come in, shop local and support their businesses.”

Stevens seconded Shoun’s sentiments, adding she would love to see a vibrant downtown Saturday, along with support to other businesses across the county.

Stevens added that the Chamber of Commerce is promoting local businesses’ deals that will take place Saturday. Individuals looking to take advantage of one of the deals can view the Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page online for more information.