Over 500 stores participated in Flatbush’s Small Business Saturday event, hosted by the Church Flatbush Community Alliance.

The event saw tote bags distributed to shoppers that contained discounts and gift cards to participating stores in the area, according to CFCA Director Lauren Collins.

Collins tells News 12 that when customers shop local, the dollars stay in the community.

"When you have a thriving business district, and people are coming out…then we have developers and businesses asking to get in and it helps lift up the area," she said.

Owner of Jide Dandy Men's Clothing store Jide Momo says Saturday marked a top sales day for his businesses.

"We had a 40% increase today, which is good," he said. “We have a generational business, people who shopped here as kids bringing their kids, and being in this community," he said.

For other stores, the sales of the day were modest, but they hope their customer service can bring people back year-round.

"We are making that connection, showing you what can't happen at an Amazon store,” said Flatbush Optical owner Oleg Gonik.

Shoppers were thrilled too.

"I found a lot of things here and I'm so excited to come back," said shopper Mavis Pryce Bedward.