Friday is traditionally the biggest shopping day of the year – Black Friday was so named because it’s the day that many retailers count on to put then “in the black”, and can account for up to 40% of the annual income for many companies.

The National Retail Federation estimates that some 97 million shoppers will hit stores today, and for the entire four-day weekend Thursday through Sunday, around 140 million are expected with a 3.9% increase in holiday sales this year.

Of course, this year was markedly different – as many retailers opened after Thanksgiving dinner and according to initial reports – cleaned up with shoppers flocking to the stores to get those first doorbuster sale prices.

On-line shopping is also expected to hit new highs this year – with many simply choosing to take the information highway to do their shopping – rather than rub elbows with their neighbors in the “real world”.

However, many people love the thrill and camaraderie of staking out the best buys to be found – and being in the middle of all the action this time of year and say they wouldn’t have it any other way.

And don’t forget November 30th is Small Business Saturday – a day to support small businesses in the area in an effort to show appreciation for all they do for our community.

The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce urges everyone to shop local this holiday season.