Group urges small businesses to prep for holidays

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina group is urging small businesses to get ready to make themselves attractive to shoppers this holiday season.

The Saturday after Thanksgiving has come to be known as “Small Business Saturday.” It’s a day when shoppers are encouraged to support independent shops and restaurants.

Ben Homeyer is South Carolina state director of the National Federation of Independent Business. He says businesses can profit from the post-Thanksgiving shopping rush and also showcase their businesses and find new customers who’ll return throughout the year.

Homeyer’s group says small businesses should promote the event, showcase merchandise in ways that would make great gifts and use social media to get the word out.