This is the time of year when people shop and this is also the time of year when community-oriented newspapers urge you to shop at home.
We all know the reason for shopping at home: When you spend money locally it strengthens the local economy.
But do you really know the numbers?
For every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent businesses, $68 returns to the community through, taxes, payroll and other expenditures. Spend that same $100 out of town or online and it gains us nothing.
We also want to urge local businesses to shop locally for services and materials. That same 68-percent return on every dollar spent applies to you, too.
And we want to urge local businesses to make it desirable for Clarksdale residents to shop in Clarksdale stores. Keep your prices low this season and watch your store fill up. Smile and greet shoppers when they enter your door.
Please remember the customer is not always right, but the customer is always the customer.
We don’t claim to have all the answers but we do offer this solution to local economic woes. If every shopper in Coahoma County would spend $100 extra dollars in local businesses we would see our local economy turn around this Christmas.
Now can everything you need and want be purchased in this town? Of course not.
But we do encourage you to give local businesses a first shot at your Christmas dollars.
We ask you to think about it another way.
Clarksdale had six retail businesses close this summer. They were stores you counted on and owned by people you know.
Please remember it is local businesses that support school fundraiser, church events and civic efforts in Clarksdale. They buy your raffle tickets, give your children their first job and can be called upon to support causes that support this town. This community will suffer because of the closing of those businesses.
Hometown businesses truly are the bread-and-butter of the local economy. They want your business – They need your business!
We want to encourage Clarksdale to shop local first. Stop in a local store. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile and buy it. Your purchases are what makes those businesses and Clarksdale grow.
