American Express’s effort to promote small businesses nationwide has caught the attention of business owners in Poplarville, who will participate in their very first Small Business Saturday within the city’s downtown area. This year’s Small Business Saturday will be held on November 25 from 8 a.m. until noon in the city.

The celebration aims to allow small business owners within Poplarville to bring awareness to the importance of shopping local during the holiday season.

“This is the first time we are promoting such an event,” said local business owner Mark Bridgers, who will be showcasing his own business, Poplarville Hardware and Electronics, during the event. “It’s our attempt to bring people to the old downtown area and visit the unique shops which they probably do not know much about,” he said.

Other merchants in the neighborhood that will participate include, Mia’s Sweet Box, which is popular for its edible gifts, Nana’s Nest, which will offer specialized arts and crafts, So Miss Essentials Bath Shop, a local shop offering bath essentials, Apples Ltd. a long standing business featuring clothing, and Jenni Cakes Bakery, which will have a variety of cookies for sale.

Scooters restaurant will offer lunch specials from 10 until 2 p.m. that day.

The Animal Adoption Agency of the Pearl River County will have adoptable animals at the Poplarville Hardware and Electronics from 9 a.m.