Black Friday is known for drawing crowds of eager shoppers to big-box stores, but smaller shops use Small Business Saturday to promote the idea of supporting local retailers and keeping holiday spending in the community.

Small Business Saturday takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving and was started by American Express in 2010 to draw attention to small and family-owned businesses on the busiest shopping weekend of the year, said Small Business Saturday spokeswoman Nicole Reyhle.

Last year, the event generated $16.2 billion dollars in retail sales nationwide, up from $14.3 billion in 2015, she said.

Businesses that participate in Small Business Saturday on Nov. 26 can receive promotional materials from American Express. Businesses do not have to accept American Express credit cards to use the posters, signs and other promotional items. Businesses are also using several social media hashtags for the event, including #shopsmall.

A number of small businesses in the south Houston area will be participating on Saturday. Here are a few listed on the American Express Small Business Saturday website:

Katy

Alicia's Mexican Grill
Restaraunt
25725 I-10, Katy
281-347-1800
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

The Cottage Door
Gift Shop
1001 Avenue B, Katy
281-391-1222
Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amber's Designs
Jewelry Store
722 Pin Oak Road, Ste. 102, Katy
281-391-6333
Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Missouri City

Bomir Foods
Market
13207 Staffort Road, Ste. 300, Missouri City
281-261-5160
Saturday hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Nations Auto Care
Automotive
111 Present Street, Missouri City
281-499-2311
Saturday hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Richmond

The Lone Star Saloon
Restaurant
102 S. 3rd Street, Richmond
281-238-0960
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

Mattress Overstock
Mattress Store
821 E. Hwy. 90A, Richmond
281-232-9250
Saturday hours: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Seewees Travel by Jackie
Travel agency
611 Jackson Street, Ste. 1, Richmond
281-342-6892

Sugar Land

Indian Spices & Snacks
Market
7320 Hwy. 90A, Ste. 100, Sugar Land
281-313-4500
Saturday hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Aki Steak & Sushi
Restaurant
510 Hwy. 6, Ste. 180, Sugar Land
281-565-1110
Saturday hours: 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Find all local business participating in Small Business Saturday on the American Express Small Business Saturday website.