This Saturday marks the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce’s annual Buy Local Day.

Residents are encouraged to support local shops across the county Saturday, in lieu of shopping online or at big box stores. The event also serves as a kickoff for the holiday retail season.

“For some local businesses in the community, it is the most important season of the year and it helps offset the slower months,” said Catherine Glover, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Beaufort County’s Buy Local Day coincides with the nationwide Small Business Saturday, which is historically held the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The Small Business Saturday campaign was launched by American Express in 2010, and has since grown into “a holiday shopping tradition and nationwide movement driven by millions of individuals,” according to the American Express website.

In 2016, about 112 million consumers reported shopping at small businesses nationwide, a 13-percent increase from the previous year, according to data from a Consumer Insights Survey.

As in years past, Beaufort County shoppers can expect to see “Buy Local Bags” and small cards placed in gifts to show the recipient they were bought locally, according to Glover. Some businesses may also offer special discounts or promotions.

First South Bank is sponsoring the event, along with the Chamber, and provided the bags for Buy Local Day, Glover said.

The Chamber continues to voice its support for larger retailers in the county, but Saturday is an opportunity to recognize the “little guys.”

“The Chamber has continued with partnerships to promote ‘Buy Local’ throughout the year. We truly believe in supporting local businesses for the future growth of our area,” Glover said. “You are supporting and investing in local businesses, which benefit your community, your neighbors and yourself.”

Any businesses that have not received Buy Local Day bags and/or cards can pick them up at the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center, 102 Stewart Parkway, Washington.