Small businesses preparing for holiday shopping season

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The Thanksgiving Day holiday kicks off a busy shopping season.

While many big box stores are planning Black Friday events, small businesses are also hoping to see a boost in sales.

Small business owners said the fourth quarter is when they see sales jump by up to 50 percent.

"I just like going into the stores and checking out all the holiday stuff," said Christina Long, visiting Roanoke from Colorado.

While visiting family this Thanksgiving holiday, Long stopped by Ladles & Linens to find unique gifts. Staff said they are preparing for Black Friday deals. Foot traffic has picked up at Delish Sweets & Treats ahead of Thanksgiving Day.

Owners moved the store from Church to Jefferson Street nearly two months ago and said they said the new location has been busy.

"With the holidays, we've seen a rise in our specialty treat orders," said Cheryl Cobbs, Delish Sweets and Treats owner. "We have strawberry crunch cheesecake cake that is extremely popular."

In order to handle the holiday rush, Cobbs said she hired more people. With their hands full with orders and holiday catering events, Cobbs said she and other small business owners are thankful for the community's support.

"We definitely support small businesses ourselves being that we are a small business," said Cobbs. "I think anyone who has that focus is just looking out for their community and it's important that we try to do that."

Small businesses are planning sales and special events for this weekend which is Small Business Saturday.