Buying local makes holidays happy for all

There appears to be a silver lining to the black cloud that’s been overshadowing the national and local economy.

Black Friday, the first official shopping day of the holiday season on the day after Thanksgiving, was a bright Friday for many Valley merchants.

While much of the shopping furor is driven by huge discounts on some big-ticket items at national chain stores, we’re pleased to also hear strong sales have been had at local, independent retailers as well. At Fireside Books in Palmer, co-owner David Cheezem said Friday’s sales were strong and continue a trend of increased sales over the past couple months.

Cheezem calls it “heartening,” and we agree. It’s also a reminder that, while it’s easy to be lured by the promise of a super-cheap big-screen television, don’t leave the Valley’s local and independent merchants home alone this holiday season.

For many, a strong showing in the till for the holiday season will be the difference between keeping the doors open after New Year’s Day. Shop locally is a mantra you hear to the point of being cliché, but it’s anything but that.

When you spend your money with locally owned and operated retailers, your dollars go farther. That money is used to pay the employees who work there, who in turn shop locally and continue the cycle. The business owners re-invest in their local operations.

We are not saying the big chain stores don’t have a place on your holiday shopping list, just don’t make them the only stop. Friday was a good start. It’s encouraging to see a strong beginning for the most important time of the year for our local merchants. Spread the wealth a little for an all-around happy holiday season.