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.

Here are a few businesses in Tomball and Magnolia to visit on Small Business Saturday:
The Mercy House offers fair trade products, such as clothing, home decor, jewelry and seasonal gift items. Profits go toward helping release individuals from poverty. The store, located at 5814 FM 1488, Magnolia, will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. 832-652-3762. mercyhouseglobal.org

The Golden Peacock, located at 38001 FM 1774, Magnolia offers antique and vintage finds. La La Rosie Resale, LLC, formerly a storefront in Houston, will be celebrating Small Business Saturday at The Golden Peacock from noon-4 p.m. Saturday. 713-569-4961.

Find vintage and custom furniture, home and patio decor, antiques and gifts at Granny's Korner, located at 201 Market St., Tomball. The shop will be open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday to encourage customers to #shopsmall. 281-351-8903. www.grannyskorner.com

Vickie B's on Main is offering storewide discounts and giveaways to celebrate Small Business Saturday. The boutique, located at 213 W. Main St., Tomball, will be open 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. on Saturday. 713-882-4709.

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.