While concerns of inflation loom, the National Retail Federation (NRT) projects this could be a record-breaking holiday shopping weekend.
N.R.T projects 166.3 million Americans will be out shopping through Cyber Monday.
Traditionally, Black Friday shoppers gravitate to major retailers offering up deep discounts, but small business owners told News 13 they’re also noticing an increase in customers.
“It’s really nice to be out here and see the community,” said small business owner Savannah Bayliss. “Everyone [is] coming and supporting small businesses.”
Historically, small businesses see an increase in customers on Small Business Saturday, held the day after Black Friday.
Bayliss, the owner of Appalachian Wyld Botanicals, sets up outside of the Grove Arcade to sell her handmade projects. She, along with others, noticed a boost in foot traffic from Black Friday shoppers.
“I feel like most people want to support small businesses,” said Bayliss. “This is pretty much our retail store.”
The National Retail Federation projects nearly 8 million more Americans will take part in the holiday shopping weekend than last year.
“You are spending weeks prepping for it,” said Bayliss. “It’s pretty much, you have to make sure you have enough product.”
Asheville’s Black Wall Street also held a Black Friday event.
“You can bring different types of groups of people together,” said Conita Whitmire, owner of Wise Woman. “Each person has a different reach.”
This year, the organization hosted ‘Black Friday Extravaganza.' The event brought together three minority female owned businesses.
“You have a variety of gifted woman that get to showcase their talent, ability and wisdom,” said Whitmire.” It’s a wonderful thing; you get to see entrepreneurs from a minority class come up and rising.”
“I wish more of us would come out and share in the experience,” said owner of This and Those Accessories Lakesha Lewis. “Even if you don’t make a dollar the networking is the best part.”
Lewis told News 13 this was her first Black Friday experience as a business owner and that she hopes to continue participating in more to come.
"It’s not easy,” said Lewis. “But having exposure is great. You get to meet different types of people.”
The holiday shopping weekend will continue with Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday.