Detroit's Midtown livens up with Small Business Saturday

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Millions of shoppers across the country are expected to give local stores a boost for Small Business Saturday, including in Detroit’s Midtown.

“I heard it was Small Business Saturday, so I did not shop yesterday. I decided to come out and support my local small businesses,” said Patrice Harold as she browsed through the hangers at Flo Boutique in Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood.

This year Harold said she would cross items off her Christmas list without leaving the city limits. “I’m a Detroiter, so I want to spend money in the city. I could spend it in the suburbs, but no, I decided all this holiday season, all my money is going to be spent here in Detroit,” Harold said.

She is among the millions of shoppers nationwide who were expected to open their wallets on Small Business Saturday. The event, which is sponsored by American Express, encourages shoppers to spend locally instead of at national retailers.

Several stores in Midtown are participating, including the Source Book Sellers. The company has been around for more than two decades and credits its loyal customer base with its success. Alyson Jones, who helps run the store, said successful small businesses have helped revitalize pockets of Detroit like Midtown. “The more stores, like home goods, book stores, food stores, make people feel like it’s a more livable area where you can move in and settle,” Jones said.

This is the third year for the national shopping day. Each year it falls between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.