Shopping at home is important to locals

Black Friday is next week. For those thinking about Christmas gifts, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. We strongly encourage everyone to shop local this year.

Supporting local businesses is very important to maintaining a vital community, but this year in particular we need your Christmas dollars to stay home. We are still recovering from the pandemic shutdowns and local merchants really need your support.

Remember, they are more than just merchants, they are your friends and neighbors. Their children go to school with your children. Their children are probably in the same sports leagues your children participate in. You may share a pew with them on Sunday mornings. You likely support the same charities and social or political causes. They often help underwrite many of the festivals and events we so frequently enjoy here.

Local businesses also employ local people. They’re the heart and soul of our economy. Every time you shop at a big box store or from a company online, think about the impact here in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County.

Is the object you’re buying available locally? If so, please buy it locally. Even if you have to pay a little more, it’s worth it to keep local businesses in business.

We think it’s much better to support your neighbors than the billionaires running mega corporations. When was the last time Amazon sponsored a local Little League team or underwrote a local festival?

One of the benefits we have of being a tourist destination is there is no lack of unique and creative gift possibilities. A stroll down Main Street will give you endless ideas.

Local wines make for great gifts, not only at Christmas and New Year’s, but for special (and not-so-special) occasions throughout the year. So too do products made from peaches and pecans grown here.

Another thing people can do to help out is to take seasonal or permanent jobs here. There is a huge shortage of service industry openings that urgently need to be filled. In all likelihood, many businesses here would benefit more from being fully staffed than they would by having a crush of shoppers they cannot adequately serve. That’s an opportunity to help your neighbors and make a little money on the side.

Additionally, when you eat out at any of our fine, local restaurants, please be generous with your tips. The cost of living here is high and many of these wait staff, cooks, etc., are working long and difficult hours for not much pay. They are very often understaffed and overworked. Be thankful they are there to make sure your dining experience is the best it can be.

So, instead of chasing cheap products at out-of-town retailers, take some time to shop at home and help make the holidays happy for everyone. – J.S.

(This editorial appeared in the Nov. 17, 2021, edition of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post.)