Islanders this weekend can join consumers across the country in supporting their favorite local, independent businesses.

Held annually on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express as a response to small business owners’ most pressing need: getting more customers through their doors, rallying communities to support local businesses and helping kick off a successful holiday sales period.

As our stomachs settle from our Thanksgiving feast and our minds start moving toward fulfilling those holiday shopping lists, this Saturday is a perfect opportunity to get out of the house and show our local businesses some love.

Promoting the message of shopping local and supporting small business is something chambers on the island do throughout the year. The Coupeville Chamber of Commerce is hosting Sip n’ Shop on the Cove for the second year as part of Small Business Saturday. The event is 3-7 p.m. at the Coupeville Rec Hall.

The event features eight tastings from local Whidbey Island distilleries and wineries and samples of fare from local restaurants, bakeries, caterers and stores. For $20, participants can nosh while listening to music before they head out and explore Coupeville’s shopping district.

The first 200 people will receive a free bag with a Sip ‘n’ Shop wine glass, a book full of discounts for the evening and future trips to town, as well as treats from some local businesses.

Last year’s event attracted many visitors from off-island, who learned about the event through Small Business Saturday promotions.

According to a consumer study conducted by American Express, nearly eight in 10 consumers say they are willing to pay slightly more for an item if it is purchased from a small, independently-owned retailer as opposed to online or at a large retailer — on par with last year.

And just how much are they planning to spend? Of those who are aware of Small Business Saturday and planning to shop and dine on the day, two-thirds say that they plan to spend at least $100 at small businesses on Small Business Saturday.

Among U.S. consumers, the Small Business Saturday Consumer Insights Survey found:

On average, one-third of their holiday shopping this year is expected to be done at small retailers or restaurants — on par with last year.

Seventy-six percent say they will visit at least one small business as part of their overall holiday shopping, on par with last year.