LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — As shoppers lined up outside of big box stores on Black Friday, some chose to support local artists and businesses instead. 

Mo McKnight is the owner of Revelry Boutique & Gallery in NuLu, just outside downtown Louisville. Everything in the store is handmade by artists across Kentuckiana.

"The next month is the most important month of the year, it's make or break for most small businesses," McKnight said. 

The holiday season is where Revelry makes most of it's money, that why the business is running deals for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. 

"It's been a really tough three years since COVID, I think that's why you see a lot of small businesses not doing well, that and inflation," said McKnight. 

Revelry is filled with all things Louisville, from Jack Harlow ornaments to wooden neighborhood signs. 

Olivia Hall and her mom, Mary Hall, said you can't find these local gifts anywhere else. 

"We have a son who is in the Army, getting him little ornaments that represent places he loves in Louisville," said Mary Hall.   

Just down the street from Revelry, the Free Coat Exchange was putting on its 13th annual coat drive at Garage Bar.  

Ava Shea has been volunteering with The Free Coat Exchange since she was 9 years old.

"It's nice to give gifts to other peoples' families especially on a day like this," said Shea. 

The gift will keep on giving for coat recipient Paul Fryrear this winter.

"It's been a long time since I've had a nice coat, especially a warm coat, I ain't had a hoodie coat in a long time, probably since I was a teenager," Fryrear said.

Whether its donating or shopping small, McKnight stresses how you can use this time of year to impact your community.

"Giving back to small business owners and artists and people in your community, is just of the utmost importance," she said. 

Click here for a full list of stores participating in small business Saturday this weekend. 

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