(RALEIGH) -- Sandwiched between the big shopping periods of "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" is what's known as "Small Business Saturday." The push is to get you to shop at local stores rather than the big chains.

NC State economist Dr. Mike Walden says it's a good idea to try to give the local economy a boost, but there are obstacles that shoppers must consider. The first is availability of merchandise.

"More likely, that clothing has been made in a foreign country, whereas years ago it could've been made in North Carolina. And the second problem comes down to price. Oftentimes, the reason people are motivated to buy something that may come from outside local areas is that it carries a lower price," he said.

There's also the factor of cash on hand. Many people who say they'd like to support local merchants but because of the economy, the money simply isn't there.