CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of vendors lined the streets in South End for Small Business Saturday.
The event had more vendors than previous years, with 200 local businesses participating this time.
"Today is a way to celebrate the neighborhood and small businesses that make this area so unique and so much fun," said Vica Bondurent with Charlotte Center City Partners.
According to American Express, for every dollar spent at a small business, about $.67 stays in the local community.
"When you shop for somebody today, you're supporting your neighborhood, Charlotte. The money stays here," Bondurent said.
A recent survey from SurveyMonkey shows small business shopping is on the decline for 2019. It showed only 39% of Americans said they planned to support a local business on Saturday. That’s down 44% from last year.
Despite a downward trend nationwide, turnout in the South End exceeded organizers' expectations Saturday.
"It's been a good turnout," said Joe Smaldone, owner of Frnk Design Co.
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