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.

Jennifer McDougald, owner of Legacy Home Staging & Furniture Painting in Pearland, is using Small Business Saturday to offer a variety of deals and create new business for the rest of the year.

“[We are] excited about Small Business Saturday because it's a day that local shoppers are reminded to check out the small businesses in their community, and [it] often brings us new, year-round customers when they see the unique and affordable home décor and painted furniture we offer that they can't find anywhere else,” McDougald said.

McDougald said Legacy Home Staging will begin their sale on Friday online only, offering up to 50 percent off on select hand painted furniture pieces and Christmas décor. On Saturday, the deals will move in-store, while the shop at 1631 N. Main Street, Pearland, will stay open extended hours from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

“It is very important for people to remember to shop with their local small businesses in order to keep them open and thriving,” McDougald said. “Small businesses are often times self-funded with no loans or financial back up other than reinvesting what we earn each month.”

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.

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