The Arab Tribune: News

Bunches of businesses in Arab will offer 15-20 percent off all of their merchandise this Saturday. Santa will be at some of the stores for photos, and some of them also will have their holiday open house.

If that sounds like a dealmaker to you, then you'll enjoy the heck out of the annual Shop Arab for Education Day. You can read about some of the merchants' deals in their ads in today's newspaper.

And, to sweeten the deals, know that you'll be helping fund the efforts of PTOs at the four schools in Arab.

The PTOs are selling discounts cards for $5, that are good at 37 businesses and restaurants. The PTOs get to keep that money, and you get to keep whatever you save shopping.

Arab Primary School, with 260 discount tickets, has the most tickets to sell. The fundraiser last year earned $610 for the APS, according to principal Leah Keith.

APS PTO President Ashley Spethman said discount tickets were sold Monday to people waiting in car line at the school. Order forms for tickets also were sent home with students yesterday.

Tickets are available in the offices at all four schools. You also can buy them from the Arab Chamber of Commerce - which partners with the PTOs on the fundraiser - and designate the school to receive your $5.

The same goes for tickets the chamber delivered to Fine Things, Jones Discount Pharmacy, Mink Creek and Coker-Berry.

Some merchants also will have tickets on sale Saturday.

"Some of them will start offering the discounts on Friday, too," said Deneille Dunn, chamber president. "So plan to shop, shop, shop!"

Participating merchants include: Aaron's Sales and Lease, Antiquities "N" More, All Star Designs, Allstar Collectibles, Arab Jewelry and Pawn, Belinor Antiques and More, Bishop's Scant City Pharmacy, Busy B's Paint and Wallpaper, Caroline's On Main, CJ's Portraits, Coker-Berry, Curves for Women, Donna Lee's Footwear and More, Fine Things, Flower Exchange, Generations Footwear, Grumpy's, G-Whiz Framing and Home, Jones Discount Pharmacy and Gifts, KingsWay Christian Home and Gifts, Latham's Pharmacy and Grill, Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant, Magnolia Jewelers, Marvin's Building Materials and Home Center, Merle Norman Lifestyles Grand Salon, Mink Creek, Monogram's Plus, Parkway Flooring and Interiors, Petals Apparel and Gifts, Scott's First Avenue, Sierra's Mexicanisimo, The Cupboard, Factory Connection, Three Guys' Grill, Up, Up and Away Children's and Youth Clothing, and Wright's Furniture.