Spend those
last-minute
dollars here

Many people’s Christmas lists are filled with a quick drive to Wilmington or Myrtle Beach, but we urge residents of local towns to consider spending a few dollars at home as the Christmas shopping season winds down.

Many folks still have a few last-minute items on their lists, so why drive?

Wilmington and Myrtle Beach are regional shopping centers with big stores with more to offer in some cases, but we remind local residents that every dollar that leaves Columbus County helps relieve the tax burdens of New Hanover and Horry County residents, not us.

But sales tax revenues aside, consider that your local merchant is the person who relies on his or her fellow Columbus County neighbors for survival. These merchants are the same ones who are the coaches of your son’s or daughter’s little league soccer or baseball team. They are the ones who contribute to local charities. They are the ones who attend and support our local churches.

The Wal-Marts and Targets have made it increasingly difficult for the traditional mom and pops to succeed, and that’s a shame because communities are often defined by their family-owned or small businesses.

Don’t feel guilty about shopping outside the county, but make the extra effort to shop locally this year.

You – and your fellow Columbus County neighbor who runs the store you patronize – will be glad you did. In the long run, it will make Columbus County stronger and more independent.