CONCORD, Mass. —

Fifteen years after the start of Small Business Saturday, the holiday sales event focused on shopping locally is no longer so small. It was estimated that $17 billion would be spent at small businesses nationwide.

"As a small business owner, it’s the most important day of the year," said Rick Stec, of The Hive Public Market in Lowell.

There are an estimated 35 million small businesses in America, and Ash Desrosiers' video game business is one of them.

"It brings in people that wouldn’t know we were even here," Desrosiers said. "It’s really great having people come out all in one day."

At Rocky's Hardware in Concord, shoppers are not only looking for items on Santa's list but also considering new grills or shovels. Small Business Saturday encourages spending, and merch

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