Tyler, Texas — Shoppers are taking advantage of yet another day of deals on small business saturday.East Texas is no different, local mom-and-pop shops are dishing out deals, like local restaurant "What about Kabob" in Tyler. They were giving away freebies today in honor of small business Saturday.

Customers came out to support their favorite small shops, like Chris Simpson from Tyler, he says, "Keep your money where it is, to support the people you see everyday and the people around your community."

But, some small businesses are taking an unconventional approach to Small Business Saturday, setting up shop in their backyard.

Local artists in Tyler are trying to get shoppers to think outside the "big box" for gift ideas this holiday season.

Local Artist Sam Fontenot says, "There's alternatives when it's Christmas of going to Walmart and Best Buy, we make a lot of products that are great for the holidays."

These artists say, it's special to gift someone with a one-of-a kind piece of art, Fontenot says, "Each one is going to be a little different and that's a little bit more special than buying something at a corporate store that's made a thousand times."

Other businesses like Laughing Leaf, The Holt House, and many others around East Texas are bulking up the bargains on Small Business Saturday.

East Texas Entrepreneurs say, it's about a return-on-investment that helps everyone.

Fontenot says, "When you buy things from a local market, a local grocer, a local artist a local craft person, that money turns right back into your community."

You can find the local ART MARKET on the corner of Samuel St. and Broadway in Tyler, the backyard market will be open Sunday, and Sam Fontenot says any local artists who would like to bring art work to sell can bring their work to that location.