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Reasons are many to shop locally [UPDATED]
Published 10:04am Friday, November 9, 2012 Updated 12:05pm Friday, November 9, 2012With the election now over and the holiday shopping season beginning, it seems there’s one political ideology all of us should agree on: shop local.
This holiday season will be more important than ever for our local retailers. It’s important that local residents start their holiday shopping here. Here are a few reasons why:
• At today’s prices, the cost of traveling to places such as Fargo and the Twin Cities will cost between $20 and $60 for gasoline. If price is a primary reason to go out of town to shop, travel cost surely should be factored in.
• Local stores can offer more than one would expect. And when it comes to Christmas gifts, there certainly are “perfect” gifts that Fergus Falls retailers can provide.
• By buying locally, you are local store owners who often give back to their community in terms of donations and support to charitable causes. Even corporately owned stores provide help to local causes.
• Buying locally not only supports local retail jobs, but boosts sales numbers that retailers use to determine new store locations. Stores will only be built where there is demand for products.
No one is suggesting that you can’t enjoy a weekend shopping in Fargo or the Twin Cities shopping, or hit your favorite retail web sites. Retailers would simply ask that, during this holiday season, spend some time seeing what our area has to offer.
And don’t forget Small Business Saturday Nov. 24, a day dedicated to local, independently-owned small businesses that create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods across the country.
Bravo.
The exuberance some people have with spending their money outside the local market they earned it in is tremendously sad, misplaced, and disappointing.