BUFFALO, N.Y. — To support small businesses on Elmwood Avenue, Councilman Joel Feroleto sponsored a shuttle to take customers along the street during Small Business Saturday.
The shuttle is a part of a larger initiative to prompt consumers to spend their money in shops based in Buffalo instead of large retailers.
One of those small shops is 'Ten Thousand Villages' near the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Breckenridge. The store sells handcrafted items made from recycled materials and benefits different communities in developing countries across the globe.
When 2 On Your Side visited the store, it was full of people looking for unique gifts for loved ones.
"It's been busy all day. People are out shopping with family and friends," said manager Jennifer Kilo.
When asked how the store was benefiting from Small Business Saturday, Kilo attributed it to local enthusiasm for community commerce.
"It's Buffalo! People are very, I think, mindful of supporting their local community and putting money back in the community."