ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Every year, Small Business Saturday encourages millions to support local businesses, rather than big-box retailers. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, last year shoppers spent $17 billion across the nation. 

“If you’re going to invest money invested in small business community, because that’s just the gift that keeps on getting all year long,” said SBA New Mexico District Office Outreach and Marketing Specialist Mercedes Chavez.

Chavez explained how the money spent not only helps the local businesses but helps to boost the local economy.

“You’re helping them employ their employees, and you’re helping keep our neighborhoods vibrant,” Chavez said.

This Saturday also kicked off the SBA’s annual campaign: Season of Small Business. 

“This year, our theme is ‘gift big, shop local’ and what that campaign aims for is to get our community out to support our small businesses,” Chavez said. “Not just for Small Business Saturday, but for the holiday season and all year long.”

The support during this time of year also helps to carry a lot of businesses during their slower months.

“Small Business Saturday is kind of a really critical part of our overall holiday season, which makes or breaks the rest of our year,” said Bookworks co-owner Shannon Guinn-Collins. “The good days like Small Business Saturday and December help make sure that we can survive the bad days in February and March.”

Bookworks has been in the North Valley for 40 years. Guinn-Collins said the community aspect is what sets them apart from national chains like Barnes and Noble.

“Bookworks is really, really deeply integrated into the Albuquerque community. Throughout that 40 years, we have been giving back to the community in various ways,” Guinn-Collins said.

A few doors down is Sarabande home.

“We have a little bit of everything. I think we’re pretty eclectic in terms of our collection,” owner Nancy Klion said.

Klion explained that the shops on the Rio Grande strip are a tight-knit community.

“It might sound like a little bit of a cliche, but we know our neighbors, and we know our customers,” Klion said.

Like Bookworks, the holiday season can make or break profits for Sarabande Home.

“Our fourth quarter is pretty much, you know, half of our business for the entire year,” Klion continued. “So, we really depend on our customers to come out and support us.”

Certain products are tax-free Saturday, including things like clothing, accessories, books, cookware and more. According to the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department, it’s only for small businesses and each item must be under $500. Gift cards aren’t included in the tax free holiday.