Local businesses depend on ShoLo days like Small Business Saturdays

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. -- Hundreds of folks found their way to State Street in downtown St. Joseph Saturday.

Shoppers walked around and checked out various store fronts.

Stores have come to depend on days like this promote local shopping.

One business manager hopes people will consider spending at mom and pops more often.

"If you're not here to take care of us, we're not going to be here to take care of you," said Kim Hostetler. "Being independent businesses, we strive to give the best personal service we can where at the big box stores, you don't get that personal service."

Even though the economy has been a little sluggish, businesses say they saw a good amount of foot traffic this year.