Customers Shop Local in Clawson on Small Business Saturday

It was a day to rival Black Friday.

The third annual Small Business Saturday took place Nov. 24. Mom-and-pop stores across the country held sales, discounts and special events of their own to bring the customers out and about.

Over at Leon & Lulu in Clawson, the store even had cookies and hot cocoa for hungry shoppers to warm up with on the 35 degree day.

"It's the personal service that's appealing," said James Munyan, a former Clawson resident. "Big box stores don't have this stuff."

Munyan and his wife, Kari, traveled all the way from Chicago back to their hometown, making sure to get out on Saturday and take part in the shopping holiday.

"When you support small businesses, it gives back to the community" said Kari. "Those dollars that are generated are put back into the area."

Small Business Saturday originated in 2010 by American Express. This year, many small businesses took part in a special promotion by the financial company, where customers were able to spend $25 or more in a single transaction yesterday, and then receive the $25 back on their next credit card statement.

"I think small businesses are important to the community," said Ashley Tomasek, a Royal Oak resident. "If people support their community, then it can stay together and grow even stronger."