MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is promoting small businesses on Black Friday.

He visited Boswell Books in Milwaukee Friday morning, encouraging shoppers to consider visiting small retailers this weekend and throughout the year.

He formally proclaimed the day as "Small Business Saturday" in Milwaukee. 

The mayor says small businesses are important job creators, valued investors in local neighborhoods, and key contributors to the character of Milwaukee.

"There are plenty of opportunities to spend your money right here locally, you do not have to send it to some mega giant somewhere halfway across the county and have the profits go to the largest company in the country," said Barrett. "You can keep the profits right here in Milwaukee, support jobs for people who work in the stores, who make the goods here."

The mayor will visit local small retailers Saturday morning in the neighborhood around Lincoln and Kinnickinnic Avenue.