Small Business Saturday was deemed very successful by business owners in Gloucester, while Mathews businesses had a better day on Black Friday.

Raphaella Teschner of Yolanda’s on Main said there was a steady stream of customers both days, with customers motivated by a 25 percent discount on all merchandise, plus a free gift with a purchase. On Saturday, they had the added bonus of a poinsettia. The store’s holiday hours start the first weekend in December, said owner Yolanda Teschner, when the ladies’ clothing shop will be open from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. The store also recently began staying open until 8 p.m. on Fridays.

At The Silver Box and Up South, customers were still flocking in at 4:30 p.m., looking for the perfect piece of jewelry or item of clothing not readily available in the big box stores.

Kim Ward and Nancy Bowden of Hayes were in Smith’s Florist late in the day, shopping for Christmas presents. They said they had shopped from 6 p.m. on Tha...