Shop local, shop wisely

Hoards of shoppers are expected to hit the stores today, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season.

Long before sunrise, they'll start to line up in front of retailers' doors to grab hot deals. Others will hit the stores at some point during the day just for the experience.

Black Friday is as much a holiday tradition as it is a real, needed boost for merchants. So good luck today, shoppers. But while you're scouring the aisles for deals, be sure you don't lose your head.

Holiday sales can make up to 40 percent of a retailer's annual sales. There's no doubt that the next month is an important one for merchants.

But whether you're hitting the stores or shopping online, starting today or waiting for the rush to die down, we hope you'll buy local and be wise during this holiday shopping season.

The National Retail Federation anticipates that up to 134 million people across the country will be drawn to today's bargains. Most will hit discount and department stores, or electronics stores offering special Black Friday promotions.

But several surveys show most shoppers plan to spend a little less this year. A recent Associated Press-GfK poll, for example, found that 93 percent of consumers said they planned on spending about the same or less on gifts this year as they did a year ago.

With unemployment rates the highest they've been in decades, many families can't afford just now to lavish presents on family and friends. That's OK. It's better to live within your means than to get yourself in trouble by overspending.

The cliche is true - it is the thought that counts - and you aren't doing anyone any favors by racking up holiday debts that will haunt you come January.

But there is one way to boost your giving power - make sure at least a part of the money you spend this holiday season is spent with local merchants.

We are lucky to live in an area that is home to a wide variety of locally-owned shops and services, many of which have been passed down through generations.

Shoppers who take time to explore them this season are likely to find a number of unique and affordable gifts.

Times are tight for local business owners, too, who feel the pinch when we all tighten our belts.

And many local businesses still are recovering from losses incurred in last year's catastrophic floods.

It took tremendous commitment of time and money for those business owners to reinvest in our area. Spending money with local merchants this holiday season returns the favor.

So watch your wallet this season, and check out local retailers. Supporting the local economy is like getting two gifts for the price of one.

One, the gift you wrap and give away; the other, knowing you've helped a neighbor through another shopping season.