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CHICAGO — On a day when many shoppers are looking for deals on TV’s and appliances, the city is encouraging customers to shop local Black-owned businesses.

Marquisha Washington owns Sultry Steps Boutique, a small Black-owned store at the Roosevelt Collection in the South Loop. Her shop is right next to some of the largest retail chains in the country.

“We carry lots of unique different pieces,” she said.

They carry clothes, shoes and accessories you won’t find anywhere else.

D’Cher Whitaker, who owns Love Peridot, said people need to understand the power of women and the Black dollar.

“A lot of people are providing grants for us… it’s very important,” Whitaker said.

Love Peridot sells merchandise that empowers women.

Also at the Roosevelt Collection, is Chicago French Press, another Black-owned business and Keewa Nurullah children’s store Kido.

Nurullah has closed her brick and mortar store to keep customers and staff safe during this COVID surge. But online sales and curbside pickups are doing well. Nurullah said statistics show 40% of Black owned businesses will close during this pandemic as opposed to 13% of other businesses. So getting the word out is key.

A new website is also helping put the spotlight on black-owned businesses for Black Friday.

The site lists more than 500 shops across Chicago.

BlackShopFriday.com hopes to help drive customers to different stores.