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.

Last year, an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on Small Business Saturday.

The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce is offering incentives for anyone who buys local on Saturday.

“Bring a receipt from a local business to the Chamber offices dated Nov. 28, Small Business Saturday, and receive a ticket to skate free for a one-hour session at Springdale,” said Executive Director Chrissie Duffy. “Just to consider when you’re doing your Black Friday shopping or online shopping, you need to consider that the money you don’t spend in Andalusia is supporting 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.”

Harold’s Owner June Simpson said shopping locally is vital.

“As a small business owner, our customers are the lifeblood of our businesses,” she said. “By shopping locally, it not only helps small town businesses but the local economy.”

To find a small business, which is participating, visit americanexpress.com.