Spring commencement brings opportunities for local businesses

By: Beau Russell

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – With graduation just around the corner, local businesses are preparing for an increase in customers.

Last year, 4,416 students walked the stage during spring commencement. Many of these students had multiple family members and friends travel to Fayetteville to celebrate their accomplishments.

This means that businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and shops saw more business than an average week would provide.

Leah Jordan, manager of Pearl’s Books in Fayetteville, spoke about how she is getting ready for all the new customers.

“People bring a lot of families and we see a pretty huge increase on that weekend especially…we try to have the shelves more stocked than we normally would,” said Jordan.

Northwest Arkansas is home to more than 13,000 local businesses, meaning family and friends of graduates have plenty of opportunities to support the area.

Graduation this year will take place Friday May 13 and Saturday May 14. More information on Spring Commencement can be found here.