*By Tracey Cheek*
Big-name chains may dominate Black Friday ー but according to American Express, 80 percent of consumers plan to shop or dine small on Small Business Saturday this year.
According to Walter Frye, Vice President of global brand content and engagement at American Express (AXP), small businesses not only are good for the larger economy, but also healthy for local communities.
"Small businesses are what make our communities unique and vibrant," Frye said. "When small businesses thrive, communities thrive."
"When consumers spend a dollar in their communities and small business, 67 cents of that dollar stays in that community," Frye said.
According to the "2018 Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey" by American Express, 91 percent of consumers think it's more important than ever to support small businesses this holiday season.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-importance-of-small-business-saturday).
Going home for the holidays can be pretty expensive, especially if you're a student. Cheddar News senior reporter Michelle Castillo provided tips on how to save ahead of the holiday season.
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