Sales pick up pace for small businesses

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - The holiday shopping season's in full swing, benefiting the small business sector. 

And with less than three weeks until Christmas, the holiday shopping countdown is on.  The season got off to a record breaking start with online sales topping a billion dollars Black Friday, and more shoppers spending their money on Main Street than ever before.  Northampton merchants say they are noticing the difference.

“Bag Day was a perfect example in terms of shopping local, the American Express's promotion about Small Business Saturday was a perfect example, it's in your face right now,” said small business owner Judith Fine.

Fine has owned Gazebo, an intimate apparel shop off Main Street, for 34 years and says sales are 25% ahead of last year.   Anna Clark co-owns Strada inside Thornes Marketplace and says they've seen a steady pace.

“We're up 10 to 20% on bag day, not only was it more foot traffic, I think that the individual sales were up,” said Clark inside the shoe store.

And that's good news for the local economy.  The White House says small businesses create two out of every three new net jobs. 

“Absolutely, you are supporting your neighbor, that contact brings you closer as a community together,” said Easthampton resident Tiffany Whitman.

The National Retail Federation says $5.5 billion was injected into the small business industry on Small Business Saturday.