Business owners prepare for Small Business Saturday in Delaware

REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. – Black Friday may be pulling shoppers to big retail stores, but that is not stopping local business owners from gearing up for Small Business Saturday.

“Small Business Saturday is amazing,” said Aileen Heirn, the owner of Mug & Spoon.

“It’s such a good way to get people to come into town and stay in town after they’re with their family all day on Thanksgiving,” said Herin.

According to Herin, the weekend holiday is a chance for residents to a break away from Black Friday and support the local community.

“Local businesses are the best things that our community can have,” said Herin.

“Everybody who starts small and opens their little shop, like our little coffee shop, we just help the community grow,” said Herin.

“People get to know what’s in the area here,” said Dan Slagle, a local resident.

“For a lot of people moving into the area, it gives them an opportunity to see what kind of businesses are here in town,” said Slagle.

Zach Mitchell from Salty Paws, a new ice cream bar and bakery for dogs, said the holiday is crucial for the off-season.

“It’s really important for locals to support local businesses,” said Mitchell.

“We’re very much a tourism spot so in the off-season especially, and it’s really important for us to do a lot of business with the locals,” said Mitchell.

And, residents say they hope to see more local shops pop up with the hope that they remain a part of their community.

“Well, you want to see the little guy kind of make it and support them and give them what they need and keep them in business,” said Sam Celone, a local resident.

“That’s the whole idea, so that’s why we’re here,” said Celone.