SAN ANTONIO -- In just about every neighborhood there is some type of shopping community that celebrates Small Business Saturday. It isn't just a way to support the local economy, but shoppers can find unique gifts in the process.

"It's a great opportunity to take advantage because they as well will be having a lot of exclusive offers," said Miguel Segura with San Antonio's Better Business Bureau.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, this year marks the eighth Small Business Saturday.

It is estimated that last year 112 million Americans spent $15.4 billion at independent neighborhood restaurants and retailers.

Consumer experts said going to a local place might offer you a higher level of protection from scams and cyber theives that consumers could encounter when shopping online.

"At least when you're in stores you can hold the product, feel it, and say I'm comfortable making this purchase at this price point," Segura said. "Not so much fraudulant items or scams, just maybe they weren't aware of the terms and conditions. They might have an all sales are final and they don't offer any credit or anything. Those are some of the things we want to be careful of when shopping in person."