With Black Friday behind us, it’s time to consider where we purchase the remainder of the gifts on our lists.
Our economy is only as strong as the support residents invest, especially around the holidays when the average consumer spends either a little or much more than normal.
Yes, much of our sales tax collection comes from visitors’ purchases, but not during the winter.
When temperatures drop, so does tourist traffic.
This is when local merchants rely most on residents to at least attempt to purchase holiday gifts here.
Keeping sales tax dollars in the Verde Valley comes back to benefit shoppers.
A portion of the tax collected goes to the city, towns and county, which may later fund programs and projects in our communities.
If residents step up to do their part, businesses must also take it upon themselves to offer products locals want to purchase.
We cannot expect residents to buy any old knickknack solely in the spirit of shopping locally.
After a year or two, shoppers can’t continue buying cacti, T-shirts and commemorative coffee cups.
Merchants must challenge themselves to keep fresh inventory and offer items locals want to buy, especially when looking for gifts.
Each year Larson Newspapers does its best to support local businesses and promote shopping locally.
Each year we publish two Gift Guides, one of which appeared in last week’s newspaper and the second will be distributed Wednesday, Dec. 5.
Multiple pages advertising holiday specials at shops just down the road also appear throughout the season, including on Pages 6A and 7A for this issue.
If merchants and locals commit to creating an inviting local shopping atmosphere and staying home to shop, the entire community will receive the gift of a stronger economy.
