Hasta la Vista, Black Friday! It's Small Business Saturday!

    NOVEMBER 24, 2012-Forget the long lines and corporate retailers.  Small Business Saturday showcased the little stores we've grown to love.

"The mom and pop stores are like the basis for the economy. Yeah you got these big businesses but who supports the workers," says small business Saturday shopper Brandon Collingwood of Union City.

    Brandon Collingwood of Union City made it his mission to shop locally, and give back to the businesses that cherish both their employees and customers.

    Saturday's event tied in with the launch of the city's 3/50 project recommending locals to spend fifty dollars between three businesses.

    The Chamber of Commerce even gave out door mats to those businesses participating in the day.

    Melissa Ehrman Poloskey owns Allburn Florists with her family.  She says keeping the little man around is key.

"In this economy trying to compete with big box stores even though they all have their place it's harder and harder for small businesses."

    And Rich Weber owner of the Erie Sports Store agrees.

"People have to realize we employ sixty local people including over 20 full time employees. That's big for the local economy."

    Rob Gray owner of the Aquatic Jungle fish shop says giving back to small businesses is like helping a loved one.

"They run the economy. It's our family and our friends. It's the essence of the hobby. We have to support small stores," says Gray.

    If you missed out on small business Saturday, your next shopping opportunity is cyber Monday.

    You can catch all the steals and deals right from your home computer.