County businesses urge shoppers to buy local

With the myriad deals offered by big retailers on everything from electronics to the latest popular toys on Black Friday, some Callaway County business owners are hoping area residents will send some of their hard-earned dollars their way.

Small Business Saturday also takes place this weekend, and as the traditional holiday shopping season kicks off, a number of local retailers said they would urge Callawegians to "Shop Small."

Calene Cooper, owner of Calena's Fashions in Holts Summit, said she plans to offer several specials on Saturday, including select sweaters, jackets and coats for $30, all jewelry and belts 40 percent off and a gift card raffle for $500, $200 or $150.

She said she encourages participation in events like the nationally-recognized Small Business Saturday because it helps keep money circulating in local economies.

"I think local merchants appreciate people shopping locally instead of going to St. Louis or Kansas City," Cooper said, noting boutique shops like Calena's carry just as many unique specialty items as shops in larger locales. "It's important because you're supporting your local community tax base."

To help the tornado-stricken people of Dumas and surroundings, donations can be made to the Delta Area Disaster Relief Fund, care of the Delta Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 894, Dumas, AR, 71639, or through the Arkansas Community Foundation, 700 S. Rock St., Little Rock, AR, 72202.