Southern California businesses gear up for Small Business Saturday

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Shopping small can have a big impact.

Small Business Saturday has become an important holiday for the local business economy in Southern California.

Skylight Books in Los Feliz is bringing in six authors to meet and mingle with customers during their Small Business Saturday party this year.

"Small Business Saturday is a pretty big deal for us," Skylight Books General Manager Mary Williams said. "The holiday really makes our year, starting with Small Business Saturday and really ramping up through December."

The "Shop Small Movement" has grown in popularity over the years.

An estimated 112 million shoppers said they went out to purchase items from small businesses on Small Business Saturday in 2016, according to a report by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and American Express.

"I absolutely try to shop local. I love this neighborhood and I love that we have independent stores here," said Los Feliz resident Mallory O'Meara.

Locali, which specializes in vegan and vegetarian food, says its noticing a bigger push for Small Business Saturday on social media.

"It's a big deal because it gives everybody a chance to come in and support the places that are around them and the people who live in their neighborhoods," said Locali Manager Keegan O'Neal.

A day that celebrates local businesses is key for clothing designer Nathalia Gaviria.

She said she refuses to have her designs produced in factories overseas.

"Everything we do here, we do in Los Angeles," said Gaviria. "We give that money back to the communities, since everything is made here."