Nov. 27—SCRANTON — For Melanie Collins, her visit to the Amendolaro boutique on Small Business Saturday was a win-win.

The Spring Brook Twp. resident was thrilled to get a great deal on a Christmas gift for a relative and also took joy in knowing her purchase would help ensure the store continues to thrive in the downtown.

"The past two years things have been tough and brought to light that we have to keep these little businesses going," Collins said. "You can't beat it. They have amazing things and you are giving back to the community."

The clothing, jewelry and accessories store at 412 Biden St. was among dozens of city shops and eateries that benefited from the post-Black Friday promotional shopping day that encourages consumers to shop local.

Created in 2010 by American Express, Small Business Saturday has grown into a national movement that is now recognized in all 50 states. Last year, consumers spent an estimated $23.3 billion at small businesses nationwide, according to a survey commissioned by American Express.

Liz Baldi, project coordinator for the downtown business development group, Scranton Tomorrow, said the popularity continues to grow as consumers become more aware of the impact local businesses have on their community.

"When our community comes out to support our small businesses they are really giving back to their own community," Baldi said, noting that it's estimated that for every dollar spent at a local business, 67 cents stays in the community.

Stephanie Gurdis, owner of The Bare Accessories, a home décor shop that shares space with her father's business, Tom Gurdis Optical at 424 Biden St., said she believes consumers are also drawn to the personalized service small businesses offer compared to big box stores.

Sunny skies and warm temperatures made for an even more bountiful day, several business owners said.

Meegan Possemato, co-owner of On&On, a Capuse Avenue marketplace that features dozens of vendors that sell vintage and antique items, said sales were about five times what they would be on a typical Saturday.

"The community comes out and supports us every year," she said. "We always think this year can't be busier than last year, and then it is."

David Strunk, a Tunkhannock native who now lives in Philadelphia, and his wife, Zoe Artz, were in town visiting family and made a special trip to the downtown in search of Christmas gifts for their 2-year-old daughter, Ruby.

The couple said they're happy to support local businesses. The day was also a special treat for them.

"We have not had a day for ourselves in two years so we decided to leave our daughter with the grandparents," David said with a laugh.

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