Shop Local This Holiday Season

As the holiday’s come upon us, challenging budgets and an arduous economy continues. A number of layoffs have occurred, businesses have closed and housing foreclosures continue. Many local families are undergoing some difficult economic conditions.

On top of all this, it is the holiday season. This is a time when many individuals reach into their pockets and pull out money to extend a bit of happiness to others. Many individuals and families shop for that perfect gift for others. This holiday season, make it a point to shop local first.

 It may be more important than ever to shop local first. Local retail businesses seem to suffer the most during a recession because everyone flocks to the major department stores for their shopping needs. But without our local retail businesses, our community would not thrive. Our storefronts would be vacant, and our tax revenue would keep decreasing. Our retail businesses give to the community in so many ways; it is only right to give back to them by giving them our business.

 Make it a point to shop locally this holiday season, even if it cost a few more pennies—and a little more of your precious time: there is no better way to ensure the stability and character of our community. I wish all of you Happy Holidays.