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Michiganders Urged To Shop Local Small Businesses On Saturday

GROSSE POINTE (WWJ/AP) - Detroit area residents are encouraged to "shop small" at local businesses following the frenzy of Black Friday.

The chambers of commerce in several metro Detroit cities will join the Small Business Saturday movement that supports local businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods.

Some businesses in the Grosse Pointes are offering complimentary gifts with purchases, discounts and gift cards to lure shoppers through their doors.

The Dearborn Area Chamber will distribute $25 American Express Gift Cards Saturday to customers at businesses in that city.

In downtown Mount Clemens, officials are holding a science day on Small Business Saturday, which gives children an opportunity to be entertained while their parents shop. A variety of science experiments and activities are planned for younger shoppers at ABC Magic Store, located at 39 Macomb Place.

The inaugural Small Business Saturday was created by American Express in 2010. In that year, American Express saw their small business customers had a 28% increase in sales from the previous year without the promotion.

Last year, over 100 million people across the nation came out to shop at independently owned small businesses on Small Business Saturday. Now in its third year, the anticipated turnout for this year's event is even greater.

According to a survey conducted by American Express, nine out of ten Americans believe that small business success is crucial to the overall health of the U.S. economy.

For more information, visit www.SmallBusinessSaturday.com.

TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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