The Mining Journal Editorial Board typically uses this space on several occasions during the holiday season to remind local shoppers to strongly consider local businesses when plgying the role of Santa Claus. That’s because for a lot of retailers, the holiday buying season represents a significant portion of their annual sales. And this is much more than simply profits into someone’s pocket.

The Associated Press reports the holidays can account for more than half their annual sales. Holiday retail sales are expected to increase between 3% and 4%, according to trade group the National Retail Federation.

Indications so far are that sales have largely kept pace with prior holiday seasons, with consumers making purchases that help them temporarily put aside their financial concerns, noted AP.

Shopping locally supports the economy of Superiorland, not Los Angeles or New York. It helps keep our neighbors, friends, indeed, all of us, employed.

And, of course, a continuing challenging economy only serves to underscore its importance.

We, at The Mining Journal, ask local residents this Christmas shopping season to think before sending cash to far away businesses which do nothing to support the local economy. Do everything you can to spend your money locally.

It’s not an overstatement to say the job you save by doing so just might end up being your own.