Small Business Saturday boosts Nob Hill

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Nob Hill had shoppers everywhere. Store owners say it was more than usual for this time of year.

"This is a jigsaw puzzle for my husband, i hope he doesn't see this tonight," said Karen Nesbit, a shopper. Nesbit and her friend, Jane Miller were taking Nob Hill by storm.

"Look at what i got for my granddaughter," said Miller about the Christmas presents she bought for her family.

They're getting all of their holiday shopping done on Small Business Saturday. It is part of a national movement endorsed by President Obama, and New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez to encourage shopping at small businesses, like Revolver Vintage on Central Avenue.

Store Owner, Das Anastasiou has been at the Nob Hill location in for 8 years. He says on Black Friday the place was empty. Afterwards, he's thankful for the national push to shop small

"Friday's all big box stores and it's all the malls are really busy. The heart of america is mom and pop businesses," said Anastasiou.

And the mom and pop shops were hopping. Nob Hill was packed today with shoppers clutching bags traveling store to store.

"Lunch at Flying Star, that's local, we didn't go in any place that was commercial," said the shopping friends.

With all of the Christmas cash going to locally owned businesses, that means holiday dollars to keep businesses like Revolver Vintage alive, with more of a chance of surviving the recession.

"They're buying, they're shopping, it's pretty awesome. I just hope the trend continues through Christmas," said Anastasiou.

Small Business Saturday was created last year by American Express. The company gave 25 dollar credits to shoppers who shopped at small businesses.

The City of Albuquerque is allowing free parking in Nob Hill, Downtown, and Old Town to make it easier for shoppers to visit locally-owned businesses.

The free parking ends December 27th.