ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) - Small businesses across Roanoke reported strong sales during Small Business Saturday, with some shops seeing double-digit increases compared to the previous weekend.

Caroline Dodson, owner of Rodeo Thrift off Williamson Road, said she was initially worried about the weekend’s prospects, but was surprised by the turnout.

“Going into this year, Small Business Saturday weekend, I was a little bit worried at the forefront,” Dodson said. “We actually had a huge community turnout, which I could definitely say I was not expecting.”

Dodson reported sales were up 14% compared to the Saturday before, marking what she called a strong start to the holiday season. The shop saw customers lining up before opening and maintained steady traffic throughout the day.

“The whole day w

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