SIDNEY — American Express developed Small Business Saturday in 2010 to promote the locally owned businesses that are the backbone of retail commerce in U.S. communities.

It is the Saturday following Thanksgiving and has been growing in participation during the last five years.

According to the American Express website, $14.3 billion was spent at independent businesses during Small Business Saturday 2014.

In Sidney, the day has been promoted by the Sidney-Shelby County Chamber of Commerce. President Jeff Raible distributed promotional door mats to member retailers who planned to participate in the event.

“We’re offering 10 percent off on everything in the store,” said Jerry Stanley, customer retention manager at Lochard Do-It Center, 903 Wapakoneta Ave. In addition, customers who register for a rewards card will get an instant $5 rebate at the checkout.

“And we have a selection of stuffed animals by Doug & Melissa. They’re really nice. They’re cool plush toys,” Stanley said. The store will be open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Kim Curlis, office manager at the Medicine Shoppe, 130 W. Russell Road, said she, too, is promoting Small Business Saturday. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“We encourage people to stop in and see what we have to offer,” she said.

Customers of Ron & Nita’s, 134 S. Main Ave., can get discounts on their purchases by selecting ping pong balls from a jar at the checkout counter.

“After they make their purchases, they take a ball,” said owner Juanita McCrum. Inside each ball is a paper announcing the amount of the discount.

“They range from 10 percent off to free,” McCrum said. The store will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.