Local community leaders and business owners are encouraging shoppers to remember “Small Business Saturday” when shopping this weekend.

Retailers rely on the Christmas shopping period – the days between Black Friday and Christmas – for some 80 percent of their annual sales.

The day is part of a nationwide campaign which American Express founded in 2010.

Locals reported crazy lines at Walmart on Thursday night and cashiers at JCPenney said that there were people standing in line as early as noon on Thursday. The store opened at 3 p.m.

Last year, total spending among U.S. consumers who were aware of Small Business Saturday reached $16.2 billion, an increase of 14 percent from $14.3 billion in 2014.

The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is rewarding those who shop locally.

It’s easy to get your award, too.

Shop at any local business on Small Business Saturday. Then, bring your receipt with you to the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 700 River Falls St., and you’ll receive a free pass for Springdale on Ice.

“We appreciate all of our small businesses and those who chose to shop locally,” Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chrissie Duffy said. “Which is why, in recognition of Small Business Saturday this weekend, we are offering a reward to those who do just that. Anyone who shops locally on Small Business Saturday this year can bring their receipt by the Chamber for a free ice skate rental at Springdale on Ice. Remember when you spend you money elsewhere, you are helping support someone else’s economy and paving their roads, helping their schools. There’s a price associated with shopping other places. You’re forgoing helping your own community.”

Opp Chamber of Commerce’s Emilee Gage said small businesses are at the heart of large and small communities.

“The owners/operators are your neighbors, friends and former classmates,” she said. “By shopping locally, this allows these businesses to give back to the community. Whether it is giving back to the schools, sponsoring city events, media advertising or supporting the local chamber, local and small businesses are the lifeline to any thriving community.”