Editorials

Shopping locally over the holidays helps all of us

TBO.com
Published: November 29, 2012

Black Friday (or was it Brown Thursday?) shoppers were out in force last week and plenty of people spent Christmas money on Cyber Monday as well, but we hope folks also are spending money on local businesses of all kinds to boost our local economy.

Saturday was promoted as a day for buying local and although we don't know how well that went, it doesn't have to be just one day of the Christmas season to use that philosophy. All kinds of local businesses are not tied to national chains and the money spent there stays mostly here at home, trickling through the local economy and benefiting everyone.

The idea of buying local isn't new, but there's never been a better time to do it. Highlands County's economy has lagged behind others as critical industries, such as construction, fight to get going again.

Infusing our locally owned small business with capital will help employ locals and increase the opportunity for entrepreneurs to expand and hire even more people.

Buying local means using holiday money to buy family and friends goods and services of all kinds. Everything from massage therapy to hair styling to lawn care to just about anything imaginable is offered locally by folks who will spend that same money right here at home.

The money spent locally will turn over many times, which helps all businesses.

Of course, bigger businesses that are found here also hire local people and contribute to the economy. This isn't about boycotting anyone. But with a little effort and creative consideration while buying gifts this season, there's plenty that can be found by our local businesses.

We hope all businesses do well this year and people are able to support all of them. The good that will be done benefits all of us.