Local shoppers headed downtown Saturday to partake in deals and giveaways during the second official Cape Girardeau Small Business Saturday.

Thanks to a popular promotion from credit-card company American Express, the Saturday after Thanksgiving has been designated the mom-and-pop business version of Black Friday.

More than 30 businesses in downtown Cape Girardeau participated.

Most customers were shopping for Christmas gifts for family members, but others were out to find a deal. Residents Sonya and Myriah Miller were preparing to attend a wedding in California.

"We're doing some Christmas shopping, but we're also looking for things to wear in Santa Barbara," Sonya said.

Megan Atchley browses through old photographs at Pastimes Antiques during Small Business Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

Cape Girardeau resident Katie Koonce said as a rule, she doesn't shop on Black Friday. Instead, she stopped at the packed Cup 'n' Cork coffee shop for something to eat and to collect another stamp for her small business "passport" before continuing shopping.

"I try to shop local as much as I can," she said, adding she'd made headway on her Christmas shopping. "I'm going to hit all of [the participating businesses]."

The owners of Pastimes Antiques guessed the weather might have kept home some shoppers who might have come out otherwise but said the turnout was impressive anyway.

"It's nice that America expresses support for local businesses," said store owner Jim Maevers.

Emily Hoehne, who works at Stash boutique, said the store has participated in all Small Business Saturdays since opening.

Deena Ring wraps a gift for a customer at Annie Em's at Home during Small Business Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

"The morning is always slow," she said with a shrug. "It's starting to really pick up, though."

Last year, patrons participated in an overall giveaway of one gift. This year, each business hosted its own giveaway. Prizes ranged from purses to special savings to gift cards, depending on the store.

Heather Rawson at Reruns said her store was offering gift wrapping as part of the day's promotions. She said it's little touches where small businesses can offer more than the chain stores.

To the shoppers who made it out, those touches didn't go unnoticed.

Cape Girardeau resident Stacy Klusmeier said her Small Business Saturday shopping only was partially motivated by a sense of community.

Small gifts are offered for sale at Annie Em's at Home during Small Business Saturday in downtown Cape Girardeau. (Glenn Landberg)

Sometimes, she said, the small stores have better gifts.

"I did do a little shopping on Black Friday, but I also want to support downtown because I like it here, and I want to find unique gifts that I wouldn't be able to find at any of the big box stores."

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627