Small Business Saturday successful for local merchants

Small business Saturday appears to be a success this year. It's a day focused on helping local merchants in the area stores in Mobile and across the Bay report a great turnout."It's been nonstop, lots of locals, lots of tourists great day for local business," says Fairhope's Southern Antiques and Accents worker Ryan Pope.Business was booming as shoppers hit the stores racking up on local merchandise."It's been great such a wonderful turnout and support," says Katie LovvornSupporting local independent merchants is what today was all about."We really depend on this Saturday" says Mobile's Antiques on the Loop Desiree Tait. Urban Emporium store director Katie Lovvorn says every penny spent is well needed and appreciated."Without that and the support of downtown customers we wouldn't be able to be here," says Lovvorn.She says not only are their unique handcrafted gifts, but you don't have to fight the crowd for a deal."Getting the huge door busters that's focusing on main stream retail and it's good to do that, but shop small. It really gives back to the local community," says Lovvorn.Antiques on the loop owner Desiree Tait says shopping small is important because the cash coming out of your pockets could benefit local citizens.