You’ve probably heard of Black Friday or maybe our own Midnight Madness at Carolina Premium Outlets, which is the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, which is three days later, but crammed in-between is Small Business Saturday. The Saturday after Thanksgiving and after Black Friday has come to be known as Small Business Saturday to promote shopping during the holidays at the local smaller mom-and-pop shops across the nation.

Created by American Express’ small business unit in 2010, the second annual Small Business Saturday is November 26 to coincide with one of the busiest shopping periods of the season. While Black Friday favors big-box retailers and Cyber Monday is a mainstay for e-commerce websites, Small Business Saturday encourages holiday shoppers to patronize the smaller, independently-owned, brick and mortar businesses in their area.

American Express is giving rebates to new customers to promote the event. Many local politicians and small business groups across the country issue proclamations to help spread the word about Small Business Saturday.

The Town of Clayton and the Clayton Chamber of Commerce have embraced a new campaign to encourage shopping local all year round, Think Clayton, Shop Local which offers merchants several benefits and promotes small business owners in the area.  Similar efforts are part of the Main Street Programs in the Town of Benson and the Town of  Smithfield.

Make a point to shop the small businesses in Johnston County on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. They’re one of the many things that give Johnston County its unique character.  Visit the downtown shopping districts in Benson, Clayton, Four Oaks, Kenly, Selma and Smithfield and discover local shops and products.