It's Black Friday and local Okotoks businesses plan to take part in the festivities.

The tradition of Black Friday started in the United States in the early 2000s and has since grown and made its way to Canada.

Local businesses take part in the day through sales and specials according to Carol Bishop, owner of Boot Hill Gallery in Okotoks, who says that the day is way to give back to the community.

"The thing about Black Friday is it gives us a way as business owners to give back to the community by allowing them to get some great savings and help them start their Christmas shopping," Bishop says.

However, this Black Friday could be different from ones in the past with the economic downturn.

Business owners such as Bishop realize that with the downturn, things could be tight for some people this Christmas.

"We are going to put our Christmas stuff at a little bit more of a discount so that it can help people who are struggling a little bit more," Bishop says.

While for some other companies in Okotoks, such as Big Rock Communications on Elizabeth Street, Black Friday to them is the kickoff to the Christmas season.

The manager of the store says that it is a great time to start deals because it is going right into the gift giving and Christmas season.

"It is when most of the companies we sell for offer the most deals for us to pass onto our costumers."