Small Business Saturday for local shops

MADISON, Conn. (WTNH)-- Your shopping experience can be a mystery when you step out of the big box stores and into the local ones for Small Business Saturday.

Customers were intrigued at RJ Julia Booksellers in Madison.

RJ Julia Bookseller's is one of many stores in downtown Madison participating in the third annual Small Business Saturday.  They're opening their doors to customers and offering deals.

"Especially a local bookstore like this that has local authors come and it feels like a community," said Deena O'Connor. Jim O'Connor added "less corporate."

The post Black Friday shopping day was started by American Express. If you shop, you get credit on your account.

Executive Director Chamber of Commerce, Eileen Banisch, said "we have people who don't even take American Express cards who are participating in the idea of Small Business Saturday to shop locally and drive home a point this is the backbone of small town America."

Store owners look forward to the annual event saying it's an opportunity to connect with customers and talk business.

"If it's ever cheaper, we price match, so that's how we fight small business with online shopping," says Asiye Kay.

Asiye Kay is the owner of Asiye's Boutiques in Madison and Guilford. She says online shopping is becoming a threat to small businesses, so her employees are willing to negotiate and give you a shopping experience you won't get at chain stores.

"If you're hoping to get a gift for someone you don't like, go to the mall, go to the big box, because they're generic. They're usual.  There's no feeling into it," said Kay.  

That's why her store motto is "Noticeably Unique."

Unique is the word an out of state shopper Stephanie Anderson described the downtown area in Madison and many of Connecticut's cities and towns.

"Very different from where I live, so I plan on shopping all of these little shops and really enjoy it here," Anderson said.

So, do the locals who were walking up and down the street deciding where to go next.

"It's so important to get off line and come downtown and support the local businesses," said local Dawn Holmes.

If you weren't able to show support in your town today, many area stores say the sales will continue throughout the holiday shopping season.