Small businesses across Connecticut are encouraging people to shop local this holiday season.

Towns like Fairfield and Westport will celebrate "Small Business Saturday" this weekend.

The annual event launched in 2010 to promote independent businesses the weekend after Thanksgiving.

"It's important to shop locally and keep it within the community," Milford's Macy Tiche says. "It brings us all together for sure."

The holidays are the busiest time of the year for shops like Saavy + Grace in Westport.

New research from the online marketing company Constant Check found that small, locally owned and operated businesses are relying on 50% of their annual sales to be brought in during the holidays.

Saavy + Grace employees say the store relies on sales made during the holidays.

"A lot of people, as we all know, shop online," says sales associate Sue Joustra. "By shopping local, you're helping your fellow neighbor and families that you know."

On Dec. 6, The Westport Downtown Association will host its fifth annual Holiday Stroll event, which also helps promote local businesses.

"Community is very important," shopper Aidan Pomer says. "I think community gives you a sense of home."