MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Historic downtown Maryville saw its streets taken over by local vendors for Small Business Saturday.
"Everything here is an opportunity to support a small business, which is someone's dream, someone's family, that makes a real difference in their lives," Maryville Downtown Association Executive Director Amanda Gillooly said.
Small business owners like Janice Hullette, founder of Jammin Jams TN, said the event was a success for her business.
"It just is so much exposure for us. An opportunity to reach out to our community and participate in our community," Hullette said.
Her custom jams were quick to sell out.
"To come here with 500 jars of jam, and we have two left—just bless us. We don't even know what to say. Thank you. Thank you for supporting us," Hullette said.
According to a survey by Bankrate, 61% of holiday shoppers choose to shop on Small Business Saturday.
"I understand, you know, some things you can only get online. I get that but it is so important to these particular families, like it makes a real difference in their lives," Gillooly said.
As the holiday shopping season continues, supporting small businesses can often mean supporting your own community.
"I think for a lot of Maryvillians, in this area, it gives us a sense of pride because we get to see all of this homegrown talent," Gillooly said.
The impact of Saturday's event is shown through the gratitude of the business owners.
"It means everything to us. We are so thankful for all of our customers," Hullette said.