Thanksgiving weekend, and more specifically Black Friday, is one of the biggest times of the year for retailers across America, including retailers in Beaufort County.

Although the national turnout this year is expected to be lower than last year, the National Retail Federation estimates that more than 135 million people will brave the crowds this weekend.

The weeks following Thanksgiving weekend are vital as well, with about 30 percent of annual retail sales happening between Black Friday and Christmas, according to the Federation.

Robin McKeithan, business manager at the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, said this weekend is big for Beaufort County, and she thinks it is important for local businesses to be supported.

The Chamber partnered with First South Bank to hold its second annual Buy Local Day today to encourage residents to shop within the county and boost local retail sales.

“For the local customer, it’s supporting your local businesses,” said Catherine Glover, executive director at the Chamber, in a previous interview. “(It) is just crucial for their success and to continue to be here and grow.”

County businesses had already started seeing an increase in business as early as Wednesday.

James McKelvey, owner of Wine & Words…& Gourmet in downtown Washington, said he has already seen a lot of customers stop by this past week.

He said he had about 15 customers crowding his store on Wednesday afternoon, and he expected business to be good through the weekend. The business operates Wednesdays through Saturdays.

Russell Smith, owner of Russell’s Men’s Shop in Washington, said there were six employees working at his shop all day on Friday, and they welcomed customers from Raleigh, Rocky Mount and Greenville, among other places.

Although Russell’s doesn’t do any Black Friday promotions outside of regular business hours, he said business on Friday was the same, if not better, compared to last year. Smith said he arrived at the store at 8 a.m. Friday and didn’t have a chance to sit down until almost 3 p.m.

“It has been fabulous,” Smith said. “There’s been a lot of out-of-town traffic. … If this is a sign of, you know, anything to come, we are pleased.”