The Champion Newspaper: Decatur Ranks Second Place for Small Business

Holiday shopping this year is expected to increase a solid 3.6 percent, which is significantly higher than the 10-year average of 2.5 percent according to the National Retail Feferation (NRF).

"As America's big box stores get even bigger, it's more important than ever to recognize the power of small business ownership," Brian Mattingly, CEO of Welcomemat Services told The Champion reporter.

Big box stores tend to be the focus of Black Friday, the day after Thanksigiving when many use time off from work to start their holiday shopping. The day after Black Friday has been designated Small Business Saturday, where consumers are encouraged to shop at locally owned retail stores.

Welcomemat Services recently compiled a list of America's Top 25 Neighborhoods for Small Business and Decatur, GA ranked #2 on the list. Second to only Lakewood Ranch in Florida.

Neighborhoods were ranked based on various factors like community vibe to shop local, popularity of the neighborhood, sense of community belonging and additional factors.

"We're a data driven company," Mattingly told the reporter. "We look at a lot of facts and figures."