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A new retail holiday is encouraging shoppers to fill part of their gift list with products from locally owned stores.

Small Business Saturday, started by American Express last year, is an annual shopper holiday that sits on the Saturday between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The holiday rewards $25 to American Express cardholders who make a purchase of $25 or more at a registered small business.

Off the Wagon and McKay Bricker Framing of East Main Street registered and owners at both stores said their sales significantly increased from their typical day of business despite that most students were away for Thanksgiving Break.

Mary Gilbert, executive director of Main Street Kent, a non-profit organization that aims to increase business and traffic in downtown, said she is encouraging more businesses to participate or stay open for next year’s holiday.

Contact Simon Husted at [email protected].