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AUSTIN (KXAN) – Small businesses in central Texas celebrated the "Saturday of Small Business".
It's become an annual tradition on Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to shop in small shops and to entrust their business to locally owned shops.
American Express data indicate that 83% of shoppers said they intend to spend at least part of their vacation spending in an independent business this year.
"You know that more than 100,000 people in our city work in small businesses," said Austin City Mayor Steve Adler. "It's really the economic engine that makes our city work."
However, with the growing popularity of online shopping, more and more people are turning to the Internet for their gifts.
"Things can be a little cheaper online, but you actually support your local infrastructure when you shop here and in a lot of other small businesses," said Ezra Ferrell. "It's an experience you can not get just by looking at your computer."
Ferrell has been working for four years at the locally owned Terra Toys Toy Store in Austin.
"So many wonders and fun," she said. "I think it's really something that you can not get online when you bring your kid to make his Christmas list here, it's not the same as looking at a screen." 39; computer. "
Sharon Linsalata, employee of a Long Time Toy Shop Over the Rainbow, said: "The experience – put this in capital letters because it makes a big difference."
Customers told KXAN that they felt the same way.
"Sometimes I shop online, but nothing prevents me from taking the kids to the store and letting them pick their special item," Christina Shaltz said.
Shaltz spent Saturday shopping at Terra Toys with his family. She has been going to the toy store since her husband introduced her 15 years ago.
"I like to see and touch objects," said Kristi Lara with a smile. Lara said the end of the year parties will be special because it is the first time that her one year old son will be able to enjoy Christmas after spending most of his first year at the school. 39 hospital because of complications related to premature birth.
"I'm old and old-fashioned," said Sharion Tanner. "I like to look at things and feel them in my hands."
KXAN met Tanner at Over the Rainbow. Pflugerville's grandmother was shopping for her grandchildren, but added that she enjoyed spending time in the toy store as it reminded her of fond memories of her own childhood.
A Terra Toys employee at W. Anderson said that since the closure of Toys R Us, a big-box toy store last summer, their sales have increased slightly, by about 5%.
However, employees at Over the Rainbow said they did not notice any difference in their numbers. If anything, they say that KXAN's business has been tight.
They are grateful to be back in business after nearly closing their doors at the beginning of the year in January, when the rent became too high and they had to leave their former boulevard of the exhibition, Exposition Blvd . location. The new store is located on W. 38th Street.
For a complete list of local businesses in Austin, click right here.
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