ST. CLOUD -- While the big box stores are opening early for Black Friday and offering discounts on several items, the Better Business Bureau is reminding you to not forget about your local mom and pop stores.

For the last eight years, the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota has designated the Saturday after Black Friday to be "Small Business Saturday." Shoppers can find deals at local small stores and also discover some hidden gem stores in the community that they might not have known about.

Susan Adams Loyd is the President and CEO of BBB of Minnesota and North Dakota. She says Small Business Saturday has quickly become a staple during the kick off of the holiday shopping season.

"Small Business Saturday has turned into a robust tradition. Business owners and consumers know about it and they believe in it."

During last year's Small Business Saturday, more than 112 million shoppers came out to buy gifts at their favorite small businesses.

This year, if you're wondering how you can get involved with Small Business Saturday, the BBB has some tips.

First, you can find all of the small businesses that will be open in your area by going to shopsmallnow.com. In the St. Cloud metro area we have over 100 local businesses to choose from on Small Business Saturday.

After searching your area's small businesses, you can look up any business through social media. Several small businesses have Twitter, Facebook or Instagram accounts.

The BBB says while you're out shopping with your friends and family, share it!
Share it on social media with #BBB and #ShopSmall.

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