SAN ANTONIO – Millions of Americans nationwide are helping out big by shopping small.
It's Small Business Saturday and San Antonio's mom-and-pop shops saw some heavy foot traffic.
The initiative is meant to help local store owners and small business owners.
"It gives us an opportunity to get out name out there and see other vendors and help other business owners who put a lot of time and energy into their products," Jessica Lee, of Opal and Oak Vintage, said.
People started flowing in the moment the doors opened
"We really need these individuals to go out there and to be great examples of what can be done," shopper Joe Salis said. "Who knows they might be the next Microsoft or next Amazon."
Small Business Saturday at Villita Assembly Building isn't just about the shopping. Some vendors are actually teaching customers how to make their product.
Faith Lloyd started making soap when she got out of the Army and she had her son. She started a business called Bubble and Squeak Soapworks.
Faith Lloyd started making soaps after she served in the military and now her and her active-duty husband have Bubble Squeak Soapworks up and running as a full-time business! #shopsmallsaturday pic.twitter.com/824ZhHWghw
— KSAT Max Massey (@MaxMasseyTV) November 25, 2017
Lloyd said stores like hers need days like Small Business Saturday.
"A really good day for small business when we are being bombarded by the big-box stores come out and support your local small businesses instead of Walmart or Target like you did yesterday," Lloyd said.
Small business Saturday helps up-and-coming shops like Lloyd's, and it helps customers find what they're looking for.
"Today we are looking around trying to find new artisans creating new stuff that we could become customers of down the road," Salis said.