President Obama shops for books on ‘Small Business Saturday’

If you’re on President Obama’s Christmas list, there’s a good chance you’ll receive a book this year.

The president, along with daughters Sasha and Malia, dropped into One More Page Books on “Small Business Saturday” for Christmas shopping.

After consulting a list on his Blackberry, Obama purchased about 15 kids’ books.

“Preparation, you know,” Obama told storeowner Eileen McGervey, ABC reported. “That’s how I shop. Michelle, she can go wandering around.”

The Obamas spent about 20 minutes in the Arlington, Virginia, store before heading back to the White House.

Asked if he was doing his part to avoid a “fiscal cliff,” the president reminded reporters it was a holiday weekend.

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“We’re doing Christmas shopping,” Obama told the reporter, CBS said. “Happy Thanksgiving, folks.”

Launched two years ago, Small Business Saturday aims to encourage shopping at local retailers between big-box stores on Black Friday and online on Cyber Monday.

My family & I started our holiday shopping at a local bookstore on #SmallBizSat. I hope you'll join & shop small this holiday season. -bo

— The White House (@whitehouse) November 24, 2012

The White House offers retailers free marketing material and promotes the campaign with sponsor American Express, according to The Hill.

The president also encouraged his staff to visit their local businesses. Last year, according to White House figures, more than 100 million Americans shopped locally.

“By shopping small, we can help America’s small businesses do what they do best: grow their businesses, create good jobs, and ensure that our communities are vibrant,” Small Business Administration head Karen Mills said.

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