BILLINGS- Small Business Saturday started in 2010 in response to Black Friday to highlight smaller, local stores.
Now the Billings Chamber of Commerce is reminding shoppers of the idea, first introduced by American Express, on Wednesday.
The chamber handed out gift cards at the Rustic Salon, Better Body Fitness and the Last Chance Pub.
About 40 businesses are participating with the chamber.
The campaign has grown after starting in eight years ago.
“To the businesses, I think it’s really showing your support to Billings and saying, ‘hey we’re here,’” said Jessica Hart, events manager for the chamber. “’We’re here to support you. Thanks for coming to Billings and growing our business here.’ For the economy, it’s incredible. We also want to say, keep shopping small and spread the word. Spread it to everyone to shop small and shop local.”
The chamber also has a game board on its website.
Shoppers can enter a drawing for prizes if they go to 10 stores on the board.
A year after American Express launched the annual shopping day, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution supporting Small Business Saturday in 2011.
