El Dorado News-Times

Local retailers participat­e in Small Business Saturday

- By Kaitlyn Rigdon Staff Writer Kaitlyn Rigdon can be reached at 870-862-6611 or krigdon@eldoradone­ws. com.

“Shopping small businesses helps small communitie­s like El Dorado thrive.” - Greg Harrison

Black Friday and Cyber Monday tend to feature big box retail stores, while Small Business Saturday benefits small businesses and supports the local economy.

Today, local retailers are participat­ing in Small Business Saturday across the nation.

Small Business Saturday, sponsored by American Express, is now in its ninth year. Last year, nearly $13 billion was spent during

Small Business Saturday.

According to the American Express website, Small Business Saturday was launched on the Saturday after Black Friday to bring more holiday shopping to small businesses.

In 2011, the Senate unanimousl­y passed a resolution in support of the day and officials in all 50 states participat­ed.

According to the website, since Small Business Saturday began in 2010, U.S. customers have reported spending an estimated total of $85 billion at independen­t retailers and restaurant­s … “That’s $85 billion over eight days alone,” the website states.

According to a survey by American Express and the National Federation of Independen­t Business, 108 million consumers reported shopping or dining at local business on Small Business Saturday in 2017.

In El Dorado, Martha’s On the Square will have door prizes today with their Black Friday deals rolling over. Their Black Friday deals included all sherpas being buy one, get one half off and all cargo vests also listed as buy one, get one half off.

Especially for you is also participat­ing in Small Business Saturday but will have different deals from Black Friday. They will be open during their regular store hours, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cole’s Jewelers will also be extending their Black Friday sales today at both their new and original locations.

The Olde Towne Store is celebratin­g Small Business Saturday with a table set up with all items on the table listed as 75 percent off. Items include a range of things from home decor to cookbooks.

“Shopping small business helps support your friends and neighbors and your local community who will turn back around and spend that money back into the community,” said Greg Harrison, owner of The Olde Towne Store. “Shopping small businesses helps small communitie­s like El Dorado thrive.”

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