Millions nationwide participated in "Small Business Saturday", an event created in 2010 by American Express.
Employees at the In the Pink boutique unwrapped items and set up for a big day of shopping on Saturday.
"I don't want to have to compete with the big box stores that are opening, you know, 8 p.m. on Thursday night," said Andrea Evans, owner of In the Pink.
Evans offered big discounts and incentives to shop local on Small Business Saturday.
Customers like Rita Mudrenko took notice.
"This is what makes the business and the community that we live in," said Mudrenko.
"For us, we like that it's a little more unique items that you can find instead of mass retail. We also don't really like to fight the crowds," said customer Becky Ribbens.
According to the Small Business Administration, the nation's small businesses have accounted for 64 percent of new jobs that have been created during the last 15 years.
It's a statistic local business owners and valley residents can appreciate.
"30 to 50 percent income for their year comes in this holiday season so it's significant," said Michelle Ahlmer, with the Arizona Retailers Association.
Ahlmer expected a 4 to 5 percent increase in sales this year during Small Business Saturday compared to last. Those sales are key to surviving a tough economy.
"if you don't have the small boutique stores there it's going to be hard to have the community around to support," said Ahlmer.
Evans says sales jumped 20 percent last Black Friday and hopes the calculated risk she took Saturday pays off.
Dozens of valley business participated in Small Business Friday by offering additional discounts. American Express gave Expresscard holders 25 statement credit for shopping at stores signed up for the event.
We've all seen the holiday decorations on homes all over the valley, but have you ever seen a house decorated by holiday houses? It's drawing big crowds in Chandler.
We've all seen the holiday decorations on homes all over the valley, but have you ever seen a house decorated by holiday houses? It's drawing big crowds in Chandler.
You better plan ahead - way ahead - for upcoming Black Friday sales this year, especially now that Walmart will open up stores at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving Thursday.
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Friday, May 24 2013 10:44 PM EDT2013-05-25 02:44:03 GMT
The unofficial start of summer is being met with not-so-perfect beach weather. Many beach communities had been hoping for good weather this Memorial Day weekend following the destruction caused by Superstorm Sandy.
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Friday, May 24 2013 9:34 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:34:31 GMT
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Actress Amanda Bynes was arrested by New York City police after investigating a report of her allegedly smoking marijuana in the lobby of her Midtown Manhattan building.
Friday, May 24 2013 9:15 PM EDT2013-05-25 01:15:35 GMT
When workers installed one of the much-heralded bike-sharing stations on West 22nd Street near 10th Avenue, they put it right in front of the brownstones.
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Friday, May 24 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-05-25 00:10:09 GMT
AP photo
Resorts held a grand opening Thursday for Margaritaville, the $35 million restaurant, bar, and gambling complex that's part of a $70 million expansion and renovation.
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Friday, May 24 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-05-24 22:09:59 GMT
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
New York State has 17,000 highway bridges. There are some bad ones. The Tappan Zee Bridge, for example, is set to be replaced because of aging infrastructure.
Friday, May 24 2013 5:33 PM EDT2013-05-24 21:33:47 GMT
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
New Jersey Transit bus riders will soon have a new way to get across the Hudson River: by boat. The agency is partnering with New York Waterways, which will provide ferry service to customers. The
