WASHINGTON — Saturday is a celebration of small, locally owned businesses across the country. In Northwest D.C., shoppers were out making sure places like Bold Fork Books are here to stay.

“There’s a great bunch of places in Brookland, Adams Morgan, Mount Pleasant where you can buy better, nicer things than you would buy online,” said small business shopper Paula Chappel. “Why not take advantage of that?”

Chappel was browsing cookbooks at Bold Ford Books. One of many loyal shoppers out to support this neighborhood staple.

“Small businesses are so important to the urban fabric of every neighborhood in every city,” said shopper Daniel Zhou. “If we didn’t have small businesses, then neighborhoods and downtown DC would be less vibrant.”

Clementine Thomas opened Bold Fork Books in 2020 and says this is a day she counts on every year.

“Coming into work just expecting a busy day. It’s small business Saturday which is usually a big day for us,” said Thomas. “It’s sort of the kickoff to the holiday season. The holiday season is when we make most of our sales that allows us to operate through the rest of the year.”

And keeps Thomas’ dream of running a business alive.

“It’s been a great day. I mean so many neighbors have come in, familiar faces, not familiar faces,” she said.

Saturday, Thomas welcomed an unexpected visit from a special customer, Vice President Kamala Harris, who stopped by to meet the staff and purchase some books.

“She’s a real home cook and is obviously super passionate about cooking. Kind of knew what she wanted, but was open to recommendations,” said Thomas who showed the Vice President around the store. “It’s just so fun to talk to someone who really, really loves cooking.”

And supporting locally owned shops.

“Our dollars go back into our community and we’re providing a space for our neighbors to come through and like-minded people and I think that’s true of all small businesses,” said Thomas. “Small businesses give our communities so much texture and richness that it would be a sad, sad place without them.”

“There’s so much hype around Black Friday, you don’t really want to spend your money on all these big chains, so I think it’s great she was supporting this store,” said Chappel.