Consumers Urged To Shop Local For 'Small Business Saturday'

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PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – On "Small Business Saturday," consumers are encouraged to support independently owned small businesses.

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market in Market Square features one-of-a-kind gifts produced locally and around the world.

The European-inspired holiday market with more than 30 vendors offers shoppers alternative gifts they won't find anywhere else.

"A lot of small businesses, they have different gifts from local makers in Pittsburgh, which is nice. Those make really great gifts, something that you definitely can't find on Amazon or in the malls," Caitlin Fadgen of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership said.

Many are spending their money on a variety of unique gifts.

"Women of the Cloud Forest" is a locally owned business that sells hand-carved and painted ornaments made in Nicaragua.

"There's one family on this island community that makes these nativities, so it's something very unique, very special and handmade, which is a fantastic thing to support," business owner Amy Kofmehl-Sobkowiak said.

The holiday market is not the only location recognizing small businesses.

Local health and beauty retailers are among 22 small businesses in the spotlight at an event in East Liberty. One of the goals is to show that small businesses can thrive in the African-American community.

"This is what creates the economic commerce in our communities, and a lot of times we've lost so much of that throughout the years," event organizer Tamiah Bridgett said.

Like other small business owners, Tonya Wilson believes there's a market for her discrete products for women.

"There are unique businesses, so if you come and you support this business, you can give a gift that's going to be equally as unique," she said.