There may be no better time to shop locally than for the upcoming holidays.
Merchants all over our area have been preparing their businesses for the busy shopping days from now until Christmas. Jacksonville and Cabot have already had their annual holiday open houses replete with refreshments, drawings for door prizes and the opportunity to view and choose merchandise before you buy. This is in sharp contrast to Internet shopping, where what you get may not be what you thought you would get, thus unleashing a whirlwind of returns, refunds and perhaps never getting what you hoped for in time for Christmas.
Small Business Saturday is Nov. 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The annual nationwide event aims to promote local small businesses during the holiday shopping season.
The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce regularly participates in Small Business Saturday by asking shoppers to support the many independent shops in town.
Many of these lovely little shops were featured in The Leader’s shopping guides — Jacksonville’s on Nov. 5 and Cabot’s last Sunday. Local merchants went all out preparing for shoppers they welcomed with specials, refreshments, give-away items and door prizes as well as plenty of good cheer in their elaborately decorated shops.
Among them were Sherry Oliver of Oliver’s Antiques in Jacksonville. She features an eclectic selection of vintage and new items. Double R Florist in Jacksonville and Cabot showcased holiday decorations and items to be given as gifts. Grandma’s Collectibles in Cabot offers unique vintage items, such as Depression glass, and many antiques.
These and many more Cabot and Jacksonville merchants will continues to offer shoppers specials until and after the holidays, so consider them first before you hit the Internet.
Lonoke will have its first Christmas parade ever on Sunday, Dec. 4 in conjunction with its annual Merry Thanks and merchant open house and window-decorating competition.
Support your local merchants. Shop until you drop, but do it locally.
