By Alexis Newman

For many, the week of Thanksgiving also includes participating in Black Friday, but there’s a third event that some may not be aware of: Shop Local Saturday.

Shop Local Saturday is celebrated the day after Black Friday. This year, it lands on Nov. 27, and participating stores in downtown Ruston will offer exclusive promotions and sales to encourage people to support local businesses. With up to 30 shops located in the downtown area, customers will have a wide variety of options to visit and many opportunities for deals.

For example, Goldie Boutique will have a 20% storewide sale. The Fashion of Ruston will give each customer a $25 gift certificate with every purchase over $100. The certificates will be redeemable after Dec. 1.

Shopping local is important to support the local economy, but one bonus of shopping local this year is that their inventory hasn’t been as heavily impacted by supply chain issues, so the local businesses have plenty of stock to offer.

“I know that a lot of big box stores are having trouble getting inventory, and so we have a ton of inventory and a really good selection, so I think that we will have- I’m hoping that we’ll have- a really great turn out,” said store owner Katie Bonnette.

Downtown Ruston is full of small businesses, and as the Christmas season approaches, Shop Local Saturday will provide another opportunity to secure gifts for under the tree while also getting great deals.

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