Today Is Small Business Saturday

Small businesses across the country are ready for "Small Business Saturday," a day for people to buy holiday gifts at local shops and businesses.

Shop Small is sandwiched between Black Friday, a day-long frenzy at the large chain stores, and Cyber Monday, when Internet retailers have special offers to entice people to spend online.

Sponsored by American Express, "Saturday is the day we celebrate the Shop Small movement to drive shoppers to local merchants across the U.S," says the event's Facebook page.

Julee Evans, the owner of a children's boutique in Richmond, Virginia, says Small Business Saturday gives her a chance to show her appreciation to her customers for keeping her in business even though they could very easily go to the chains and the big box stores.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)