Downtown Siloam Springs was buzzing with activity as local retailers and restaurants took part in the national Small Business Saturday campaign on Nov. 25.
The annual event, sponsored by American Express, is designed to encourage consumers to "Shop Small" during the holidays.
Main Street Siloam Springs and the Chamber of Commerce led the local Small Business Saturday effort. Many local businesses offered specials and sales to appeal to customers.
Cari's Closet offered a different sale each hour all day long, according to owner Cari Lewis. She said this year's Small Business Saturday was the busiest and best yet for her clothing boutique.
Small businesses have a big impact on Arkansas' economy, according to the American Express Small Business Saturday website, www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/shop-small.
There are 244,977 small businesses in Arkansas, making up 99.3 percent of all businesses in the state, the website states. In 2014, Arkansas small businesses created 6,185 new jobs and 48.5 percent of employees in the state were working for a small business.
American Express founded Small Business Saturday in 2010 as a way to support small businesses and help keep local economies strong and vibrant, the website states.
General News on 11/29/2017