Menomonie (WQOW) - Many shoppers stood in line for hours or even days on Black Friday waiting for big sales. Saturday's shopping scene was less hectic, as many downtown shops celebrated small business Saturday.
Even though it's cold outside, the sales and service inside are giving Menomonie stores a warm feeling.
"We don't have the lines, the big flow of people. It's more of a friendlier environment," said Heather Lenfant, Manager at Variety on Broadway.
Whether it's the unique items or the service, many shoppers enjoy buying local during Small Business Saturday.
"They know my name. I walk into a store, its "Hi, Hi Lori." They know my name. Do you get that anywhere else? No. I love Menomonie and I want to support our community, and so I really shop 100 percent local for Christmas," said
The friendly atmosphere is something shoppers and store owners enjoy.
"People that come in become your friends. You hear about their day, you hear about their kids. It's just warm and its wonderful," said Karen Hurtgen, Owner of La dee dah.
The day also serves as a reminder; without the smaller stores, many cities and towns would be almost unrecognizable.
"Keeping these businesses in our downtown and in our town period offers that uniqueness. If we didn't have the local businesses, the communities would look so barren," said Joanie Dulin, Executive Director at Main Street Menomonie Inc.
Small Business Saturday was started back in 2010 by American Express. The holiday shopping doesn't end this weekend; many people will shop from home or at work during cyber Monday.
