ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Downtown Roanoke was buzzing Friday as crowds packed sidewalks and local stores for Black Friday shopping.

While big-box retailers typically dominate the holiday rush, small businesses across the market district say they saw steady foot traffic throughout the day and many are hoping that support continues into Small Business Saturday .

For stores like 310 Rosemont , opening early paid off. Manager Alley Brundage said they unlocked the doors at 8 a.m. to meet the demand.

“We’ve had a wild day so far, but we’re so grateful for it,” she said.

Next door, chocolatepaper saw the same wave of shoppers. Co-owner Melissa Mays said downtown was packed from the moment they walked in.

“It is full everywhere, all down the market, and the store is just hopping,” Mays sai

See Full Page