Richmond businesses encourage shoppers to buy local on Small Business Saturday

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- While many may have taken advantage of Thanksgiving weeks Black Friday deals, Richmond business owners are encouraging shoppers to shop small on, Small Business Saturday.

Residents can do just that at Stony Point Fashion Park's Holiday Artisan Market on Saturday, Nov. 29th.

"Small businesses, they're about the connection," said Navi Johnson, owner and market manager of RVA Black Farmer's Market. Saturday's market will feature some of their makers.

Johnson said shopping local, rather than at big-box stores, can have a bigger impact on both the business and the buyer.

"You're making the connection with somebody," Johnson said. "Supporting something other than the convenience of a bigger organization, being able to get something intentional, that is thoughtful, that still looks nice [and] that you can appreciate in the long run."

Small Business Saturday was founded in 2010, and the U.S. Small Business Administration says the day supports the nation's more than 36 million independent businesses.

Johnson said local purchases have benefits that radiate beyond the transaction.

"It's community building," Johnson said. "Because it's supporting a family, it's supporting kid's extracurriculars [and] it's supporting staff that work for these small businesses."

The Holiday Artisan Market at Stony Point runs from 3pm to 7pm on Saturday, Nov. 28th.

It will be in space 164, right near the skating rink. Ice-skating tickets will be discounted all day, and shoppers are also encouraged to visit the other small businesses at Stony Point from 3pm to 5pm.