With the holidays in full swing, there's no better time to think about where to shop.  For that, we present you with 10 reasons to shop local:

• You keep dollars in our local economy.  By shopping with a local retailer instead of an international retailer, you're keeping more money in our community and in our country.
• Local retailers keep things unique.  Ever notice how malls all start to look the same after a while?
• You help create local jobs, which helps your community and your neighbours.
• You conserve time & energy by shopping closer to home.
• We probably know each other on a first name basis.  Isn't it nice to deal with the same people who remember what you bought last time?
• Business tax dollars subsidize residential taxation.  Small neighbourhood businesses that thrive mean a little less taxes for you.
• Small business can more easily and quickly cater to a community's individual needs and choices.
• We are your neighbours - you'd be surprised at how many small neighbourhood business owners live in the same neighbourhood.
• You are investing in entrepreneurship and stimulating innovation.
• You make our community a destination, meaning we'll attract more visitors, more guests and more business (which, again, means lower tax rates for you)