Tommie Perry, owner of A Better Deal in downtown Tryon, straightens merchandise in anticipation of what he hopes will be a big shopping weekend. Small Business Saturday, originally created by American Express in 2010, encourages shoppers to spend their money in locally-owned stores versus big box chains. In Polk County, Columbus, Saluda and Tryon participating independent businesses will be doing everything from opening early, staying open later and offering discounts to reward shoppers on Nov. 24. A Better Deal will be open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Saturday, but Perry said he’ll stay open later if the shop is busy. (photo by Samantha Hurst)