Recent data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses shows 65 per cent of small retail businesses expect that they will lose sales to big businesses and online giants over the Black Friday shopping weekend.

In Fergus, small businesses weren't shocked by the figure, but did urge residents to put their dollars toward local shops this weekend and throughout the holidays.

CICW The Grand at 101 spoke with three small business owners on the eve of Black Friday --  Tammy Paetkau of Studio Boutique; Kim Jefferson of Joanie’s Crafts, Gifts and Stained-Glass Supplie;s and Tony DeLuca, manager at Local Pieces Gallery.

Paetkau, who runs the women's clothing store Studio Boutique in the heart of downtown Fergus, noted the economy has been a rollercoaster ride over the last year. She added those looking for savings won't have to hit the highway to do so. "I think right now, the economy has changed so much over the last twelve months. I think people are going to be looking for the best deal and may not realize that deal is right here in your hometown," Paetkau said.

Jefferson and DeLuca both reiterated Paetkau's message. Jefferson stated now more than ever, it’s time to bring your shopping dollars home to support businesses like the craft store that better the communities they run in. "We're the ones that are supporting the hockey teams, and the church bazar and the school auctions," Jefferson explained. "We're the ones donating and giving up time and volunteering for different things around the area, and you don't see Amazon coming to do that," she added.

DeLuca, also based downtown managing the art gallery, stated these businesses need community support to stay within the community. "If people don't shop local there won't be local shops. That's how this game works, as a rule, right?" DeLuca pondered. "We aren't here just to put on a good window display," he concluded.

Black Friday weekend leads into Small Business Saturday and Cyber-Monday.

Listen to the CICW story below: