Here we are in the final weekend before Christmas, and for many of us that means one thing — last‑minute shopping. It’s a familiar scene: lists in hand, kids in tow, and a little bit of urgency in the air as we check off gifts for loved ones. While there are many places we could choose to shop, I want to offer a gentle reminder about the importance of doing as much of that holiday shopping as possible right here at home.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with big‑box stores or online retailers. They provide convenience and variety, and they too contribute through taxes and jobs. But small, locally owned businesses are the lifeblood of our community. They are run by your neighbors, friends, and fellow church-members who invest their time, money, and energy right here in Webster Parish.
Economists and community development experts call this the local multiplier effect. When you spend money at a locally owned business, your dollars tend to recirculate in our community at least 2 to 4 times more than money spent at a non‑local business. That means every dollar spent locally has an amplified impact that helps create more jobs, supports other local services, and warms the financial heartbeat of our town.
In practical terms, research shows that about 68 cents of every $1 spent at a local business stays in the community, compared with only around 43 cents from money spent at a big chain.
That difference matters. More of that money stays here to support wages, local vendors, property taxes, and charitable giving.
Small businesses also make our community special. Think about your favorite downtown shop, the family‑owned restaurant you return to, or the local artisan you’ve come to know by name. These are more than places to shop. They are places where memories are made, where relationships are formed, and where our community identity is expressed.
During the holidays, the presence of local business owners adds spirit and personal connection to the season in a way no warehouse store or algorithm can replicate. They take part in Christmas parades, sponsor youth sports, give back to local charities, and support events like Christmas in Minden that bring us together. Supporting them at this time of year helps ensure they’re still here a year from now, ready to do it all again.
To make an even bigger impact, consider these ideas:
Shop early and often locally. Picking up gifts at local shops spreads economic benefit throughout the community and reduces the need to order items from far away.
Spread the word. If you discover a great local gift idea, tell your friends, family, and coworkers. Word of mouth is powerful.
Think local first for services. Whether it’s a haircut, a catering order, or gift wrapping, choose local providers whenever possible.
As you scramble through last‑minute lists this weekend, please remember that your choices have meaning. Every purchase made at a local business is an investment in our community’s future — in our neighbors, in our downtowns, and in the vibrant life of Webster Parish.
Let’s make this holiday season not just about what we get, but about what we give back to the place we call home.
David Specht is president of Specht Newspapers, Inc., publisher of the Minden Press-Herald, Bossier Press-Tribune, and BIZ Magazine.