If you are like me, you have most likely already seen advertisements from online retailers for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales.

According to the Michigan Retailers Association, in 2017, Michigan residents spent $18.5 billion on items from out-of-state retailers. The group argued that, if residents switched just one out of every 10 purchases from an online seller to a Michigan retailer, the state’s economy would grow by $1.2 billion and nearly 10,600 jobs would be created.

With these big sales seemingly beginning earlier and earlier each year, I have to wonder if the trend toward shopping local is having an impact. It should be. Locally-owned small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, creating many of our state’s jobs and helping fuel a vibrant economy.

Our state’s retail industry directly supports 116,000 stores, employs about 877,000 workers and pays $21.6 billion in wages each year. Indirectly, with various supports like custodial services, security firms, financial planning, and so forth, the industry’s impact is even larger.

While you may not always find the cheapest price compared to a faceless online seller, you will encounter friendly, knowledgeable people who are happy to help. Shopping locally will also help foster a better sense of community that seems to be getting lost with so much of our lives lived through phone screens.

As you think about your upcoming Christmas season shopping, consider shopping locally — the many shops, restaurants and other local establishments help make southwest Michigan a great place to live.