FAYETTEVILLE (KFSM) -- The annual Walmart Shareholders meeting is Friday (June 3), which means thousands of associates are in Northwest Arkansas.
Not only are they checking out the local sites, but they're also spending plenty of money. For many associates and shareholders it's their first time in the United States, and Arkansas in particular.
These visitors are spending money on local souvenirs that have to do with the natural state.
Kym Hughes, who's the executive director of the Fayetteville advertising and promotion commission, said that's why all these new visitors have a huge impact on the local economy. Hughes said a lot of the shops on the Fayetteville Square sell Arkansas-related memorabilia, so the owners know gear like hats and shirts will be popular this week.
"They're so curious and they're always asking, 'Okay, where should we go next?'" Hughes said. "We love getting to hear all their different stories of where they're from."
Many of the associates and shareholders are expected to contribute to the local economy, even after the event wraps up. Hughes said many associates will choose to bring their families back to the area for a trip in the future.