Breaking Away from Big Box Stores
COSTELLO: All right. We want to check back in with -- these are live shots from Landover Hills, Maryland. That's in suburban Washington, sort of where the Washington Redskins play ball. Their stadium located here. These are community members, union leaders, maybe a few Wal-Mart workers. We don't know. Early this morning, they have gathered in a parking lot very near the Wal-Mart store in Landover Hills, Maryland. According to our own Rene Marsh, these protesters will circle the perimeter of the store. Go into the parking lot. We just don't know. Rene is waiting for them to reach her. When they get to that Wal- Mart, we'll take you back live to Landover Hills, Maryland. Of course, today is the big sales day for big-box stores. But tomorrow is a day to think small. It's the third annual Small Business Saturday, that encourages people to shop at locally owned businesses. Alison Kosik is at the New York Stock Exchange to tell us about Small Business Saturday maybe?</s>ALISON KOSIK, CNN BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: Exactly. That's what they're calling it. That's what it's been called a couple of years, because, you know, the small businesses feel like they're being kind of left behind and saying, hey, we're here, too. Don't just go shop at the Wal-Marts and Kmarts and everything. And there's usually a pretty sizeable turnout. Industry groups said last year, more than 100 million people came out to shop at these independently owned small businesses. So, this is really a big push to shop local. American Express started this whole movement. And now, you know, the government's Small Business Administration, it's now on board. Plus, a number of industry groups are pushing this as well. Now, if you are watching football last night, you may have noticed ads promoting Small Business Saturday. But the funny thing is, that's one of the big obstacles that these small businesses face, getting the word out. These big-box retailers, they've got these big ad networks, plenty of money to spend on circulars and newspapers and TV ads. So, Carol, what you'll see these small businesses are turning to places like Facebook and Twitter to let shoppers know, hey, don't forget us. Come shop at our places, too -- Carol.</s>COSTELLO: I hope not. They're an important part of our economy, right?</s>KOSIK: And that's a good point. Small businesses, they are creating the lion's share of jobs in this country. ADP reports that small businesses added 50,000 employees in October. You look at the October jobs report. The government said private employers added 184,000 jobs. Yes, that's a sizeable number. We're seeing that momentum pick up over the past year. And, you know, and besides the jobs factor, there's also a human element out there. Not only are you keeping local communities afloat by shopping at these local stores, there's kind of a camaraderie when you walk into a locally owned family business and everybody knows your name and they want to help you. You're not just going in, sliding your credit card and walking out and feeling like just a number. You know, you feel like you're actually welcomed into the store and you're helped personally.</s>COSTELLO: Absolutely. That is a good part of being a small business person and relating to your customers in a warmer, more intimate way. Alison Kosik live at the New York Stock Exchange -- thank you. There's a new twist on a very old story. Pope Benedict, his latest book is causing us to take a fresh look at the birth of Jesus like where was he born? Well, the Pope has a new story perhaps. We'll share it with you, next.