Our Opinion: Shop local this holiday season

Opinion

December 3, 2009

The holiday season is upon us and for many, that means shopping. While we know it’s far from being the most important aspect of this season of good tidings and blessings, the holiday shopping period for many business owners and retailers is a critical time.

And that includes folks in Ottumwa and southern Iowa.

The Ottumwa Area Chamber of Commerce and no doubt other area chambers of commerce remind all local and area shoppers that shopping in your hometown is a smart idea.

“Shopping local adds to our tax revenue collected and when you shop at locally owned businesses, in many cases up to 60 percent of the profit is re-cycled directly back into our community. Shopping local also helps keep our existing businesses open and even creates needed jobs,” according to the Ottumwa chamber.

Earlier this year, the Courier covered a holiday retail planning meeting sponsored by the chamber.

There, business owners were reminded that they too have a responsibility in attracting customers by:

• Offering exceptional customer service;

• Placing “Thank you for shopping in Ottumwa” signs throughout their retail outlets;

• Decorating and lighting up stores and homes.

And finally, visitors to the Holiday Nights ’N Lights display at Ottumwa Park, as well as local hotels and motels and the chamber office, can pick up a holiday discount coupon bag now until Dec. 24.

The chamber filled these holiday bags with many discount coupons from area businesses, encouraging local shopping.

We understand that the true meaning of Christmas is not about shopping, but we also recognize that in these tough economic times, a little goodwill on the part of customers and retailers benefits everyone.

Happy shopping!