By Joel Phelps
The Arkadelphian

When shopping with giant retailers online, your money goes to multi-million dollar corporations and the applied taxes go to the State of Arkansas. But when you shop at brick-and-mortar stores in the community where you live, that same money goes to help keep your local town alive and well, and much of the sales tax stays in the City of Arkadelphia.

To promote small businesses and remind people to shop local, the Arkadelphia Alliance and Chamber of Commerce is hosting Christmas Open House this Sunday, Nov. 21, from noon until 5 p.m.

Small businesses participating in the festivities are Looking Good Mens Store, Harman Interiors, The Farmhouse, Knit Unto Others, Shuffield Music, Kelzek Fine Jewelry & Gifts (open until 4 p.m.), Simply You Boutique, Christi’s Gifts, Mary & Martha’s Florist and Gifts (open until 4 p.m.), Young Forever, Factory Connection, Compass Healthcare and Adorn Boutique.

Parents will have the opportunity to stop by Southern Bancorp’s downtown branch to have their children’s pictures taken with Santa Claus and/or The Grinch.

Several restaurants will be open for the event, as well, giving shoppers a chance to have lunch, an afternoon snack or even dinner to accompany their shopping experience. Samantha’s Bakery & Cafe, Waffle House, Java Primo, El Parian, 67 Grill, Hamburger Barn and Slim & Shorty’s will all have Sunday afternoon hours in conjunction with Christmas Open House.

“This weekend’s Open House will kick off the Christmas season in Arkadelphia,” said Nikki Chandler, executive vice president of the chamber. “A lot of our small businesses will have different discounts running, and they’ll be decorated in the spirit of the holidays. It’s just a time to be festive and to remember to shop local.”

With the added option of dining, Chandler called it a “full-service kind of Sunday. Everybody on that list will be open.” Because many small businesses close Sunday to spend time with their families, Sunday’s Open House will give working people more opportunity to visit and shop locally, Chandler said.