Local businesses reflect on Small Business Saturday

Libby Hernandez and Makayla Tacker work a busy Saturday at Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery, one of the local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday.
Libby Hernandez and Makayla Tacker work a busy Saturday at Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery, one of the local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday.

TEXARKANA - A local campaign to support small businesses runs through Thursday.

This year businesses are participating in a "passport" event. Customers bring these passports to local businesses for  stamps. The passports are then put into a drawing for prizes. This gives customers an incentive to support their favorite local businesses and maybe sample something they have yet to see.

Pecan Point Gastropub and Brewery, a fixture in the downtown scene, was doing its usual routine on Saturday, serving meals and pouring drinks. Despite the hubbub of Small Business Saturday, it was the usual routine for them.

"This past week has been a good week," said owner Bill Spurlock. "People have been coming in and supporting us, bringing in friends and family."

Pecan Point contributed a growler to the drawing coming this week.

"I think it is good to encourage people to remember the small businesses," he said. "They are typically family-owned and operated. Kids go to school here in Texarkana. Small businesses are critical to the local economy which supports local civic institutions."

Like man establishments, Pecan Point sees an uptick in business during the holiday season.

"Some local businesses and organizations plan their holiday parties with us," he said. "Like any other business, we are busier but it is a boost to the income."

Dot's Ace Hardware saw to customers on Saturday night, a calm veneer over the store despite the activity of commerce.

"I spent 30 years in the corporate world," said manager Wade Malone. "It was a good job, good years, but the money made in an organization like that often leaves Texarkana. I do believe in small businesses and supporting the local economy."

Malone has been with Dot's Ace Hardware two years and calls it a good change.

"Business like this is more personable, more in touch with the community. We can offer more personal service than a large corporation."

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