COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
Laurie Childress has an eye for fashion. And the Columbia mom is quite trendy.
"I try," she said.
Childress said one trend she likes is Small Business Saturday.
It started three years ago. Childress and her daughter, Palmer, have participated ever since. They ditch the big box stores after black Friday for one of Columbia's local shopping districts.
"We specifically wanted to come down to Five Points to support all of the local vendors," she said.
"I like to shop local because there are so many unique pieces you can't find at the mall," said her daughter.
The trend is catching on nationwide. According to a recent Consumer Reports Shopping Guide Survey:
- 25% of women like buying rare, one-of-a-kind items in small shops
- 34% like supporting small business
- 40% said it's just fun to browse.
Men who shop locally may have a different take. At Sid and Nancy, middle school teacher Michael Schad shops local stores for the atmosphere.
"It's not mainstream," he said. "It's more individuality. [You] can't get this type of environment at Target."
8-year-old William Nettles likes to the variety of toys, cards and gifts at Bungalo.
"It makes me feel like they have a little bit more stuff," he said.
Deal or no deal, for Childress, Saturday is about giving back.
"If we don't support these shops they won't be able to stay in business," she said.
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