The hustle and bustle of the Christmas shopping season can sometimes wear thin, and shoppers might find they have become tired of fighting crowds while searching for the perfect gift. Sadly, sometimes people just give up and decide it’s better to purchase gifts online or through the catalog.

That can sometimes be a mistake, as local shop owners and area retailers would remind us. As they certainly will point out, shopping at local merchants makes sense for the consumer and the community — at any time of the year, but especially during the holiday season.

Wonderful local shops offer flair and color, community pride and uniqueness you simply cannot find online. Not to mention, they need our support. The pandemic has been hard on everyone, but especially on small business.

That’s why we encourage you to remember that supporting small business also means we are helping a neighbor pay his or her bills.

Looking for beautiful jewelry or watches? Consider Komara in Canfield; Thumm & Co. in Warren; or Thom Duma Fine Jewelers in Warren.

Indeed, you never can go wrong with chocolates! Consider a visit to Daffin’s or Gorant Candies.

The service you received from locally operated shoe stores will be unmatched. Here in our Valley, Neal’s Shoes has been in business for decades on Elm Road in Warren. And beginning this season, Reyers has moved to Eastwood Mall from its longtime Sharon, Pa., location.

In the market for new furniture? Think about Sheely’s Furniture and Appliance in North Lima.

Outdoor enthusiasts might like a gift or gift card from Detweiler Outdoors in Middlefield; TP Tools in Canfield offers lots of options for car enthusiasts; and home improvement ideas can always be found at Bernard Daniels Lumber and Home Center in Canfield.

Looking for something unique? Consider CBD oils and other gifts from Sapphire Essentials in Poland.

Or how about the gift of a night out, with tickets for an upcoming show at Warren’s newly renovated Robins Theatre?

And this is just to name a few!

Shopping locally has plenty of benefits beyond the instant gratification of walking out of a store with your purchase in hand.

It offers shoppers the chance to look at, touch, try on and taste or smell the merchandise. That eliminates the surprise and disappointment that can come when you find out the description of an item was not quite right, a picture was not quite accurate or the size is not what you had in mind.

If you need help, or maybe a second opinion, the sales staffs at local stores are eager to assist you and answer your questions and are likely familiar with the item you are looking at.

If you frequently shop at a local store, staff members are likely to learn your tastes and are able to suggest purchases that are perfect for you.

And, if your gift is not exactly what the recipient was looking for and needs to be returned or exchanged, local stores are willing to accommodate your needs. Even more important is that local stores help your communities in many ways you don’t always see.

The taxes they pay to our towns, counties and states help to ensure that our streets are maintained and vital government services will be provided. Remember that online retailers don’t pay property taxes, more than likely don’t employ local residents and, also likely, don’t collect sales taxes.

Local merchants support worthy causes in our communities — sometimes to a greater extent than most people realize. The women and men who own local businesses are willing to back local youth sports teams and our area’s high schools. They are willing to provide door prizes for benefit events that help sick children or assist volunteer fire departments. Some offer discounts to organizations looking to buy gifts or food for local charities. Many offer direct donations to charities — and their owners and managers volunteer with area organizations and are active on their boards of directors.

Remember that local merchants hire local people at their businesses, and many of your friends and neighbors depend on local stores for their livelihoods.

We are pragmatic and understand it is unrealistic to expect every single purchase during the Christmas season to be made from a local retailer. But we believe strongly that it’s always best to seriously consider local merchants and give them the opportunity to serve you.

editorial@vindy.com