THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The holiday shopping season officially kicks off this weekend and for Downtown Thomasville, the message is simple — Shop Local! Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26, a day that the community is encouraged to forgo national retailers and instead shop the many local businesses that are important to Thomasville’s economic vitality.

“Last year’s Small Business Saturday was one of the biggest shopping days of the year in downtown Thomasville,” said April Norton, Main Street Director. “Thomasville is a strong ‘shop local’ community and our downtown thrives off of that. The downtown merchants are ready and eager to open their doors for our community to Shop Local this Saturday.”

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and is a nationally recognized day to celebrate the local businesses that make the town great. It is held every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, between Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

“On Saturday, November 26, and anytime you shop local, the money spent in your community stays in your community,” said Norton. “In fact, the economic impact of the U.S. retail industry reports that for every $100 spent in a local business, $58 flows right back into your local economy, versus only $33 when spent at a big chain retailer.”

“Our downtown merchants want to thank our community for spending their dollars locally,” said Norton. “Whether you are getting a head start on your holiday shopping or enjoying the downtown Thomasville dining experience, come help your community thrive and Shop Small this Small Business Saturday.”

For more information on Downtown Thomasville’s Small Business Saturday or any other downtown event, visit www.facebook.com/downtownthomasville, or call the Main Street Office at (229) 227-7020. For more information on American Express® Small Business Saturday, visit www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.