By Staff
Downtown spirit should continue
This week's "Downtown Christmas" event proved to be a big success for many local merchants. With extended hours, special promotions and bargains, local shoppers were treated with an opportunity to find a good deal right here at home. While this special event is over, gift seekers and merchants alike should continue seeking ways to assure that our tax dollars stay here at home.
As Christmas closes in, many will begin venturing to shopping malls and super stores in attempts to find the best deal on the best gifts. But, before making the trip south to Milton or Pensacola, try stopping by our local stores first. Not only will you save precious time, but you will also be giving back to the community and providing much-needed funds for roads, schools, utilities and other services. It is important for all of us to remember the connection between the money in our pockets to the services provided by our local governments.
Merchants also have a responsibility in promoting local shopping. They have taken an important step in that direction by maintaining extended hours through the remainder of the shopping season. In addition, these merchants should continue offering customers competitive prices, quality merchandise and exception customer service. If those three goals are met, the rest may take care of itself.
In our view, local shoppers and merchants can improve our entire area by continuing what was started here on Thursday.