Crowds of shoppers lined up before dawn Friday – the busiestretail day of the year – to take advantage of bargains at storesacross southwest Mississippi.

That they shopped here instead of being lured out of town tospend their money elsewhere is a positive sign.

Shoppers who patronize merchants in their communities helpensure those merchants’ success while at the same time pumpingmoney into the local economy. It’s a win-win situation.

Stop and think about the benefits. Shopping locally

* Keeps area merchants in business, providing jobs for employeeswho would otherwise have to look elsewhere.

* Enhances the tax base for our area cities and counties,providing money for needed projects.

* Keeps our storefronts occupied, avoiding the fate of somelocales whose downtown areas have become virtual ghost towns.

* Attracts new business by proving our residents’ eagerness toshop close to home.

If you really think about it, there’s little offered in Jackson,Hattiesburg, New Orleans or on the Gulf Coast that can’t be foundright here.

If you haven’t done it yet, take the time to look around and seewhat area merchants have to offer. Then, when making purchases thisholiday season, support your friends, your neighbors and yourcommunity by shopping southwest Mississippi.