Here is a challenge for you: Purchase all your Christmas gifts in Freeborn County. Not some. All of them.

There are many goods available in the Albert Lea area if shoppers know where to look and have knowledge of all the stores. If one store doesn’t have an item, call or stop by another store. There are sporting goods, hardware, farm supply, shoe, embroidery, frame and specialty stores around town that often carry what giant retailers neglect to stock. Many of these merchants are willing to order what cannot be found.

But the surprise discoveries are the best reasons to shop locally. It’s great on Christmas morning to give that nice find to a relative and be able to mention you found the quaint item at this neat store in the city in which you live, rather than at some suburban complex shopping place. Saying you found it locally has a special ring to it.

What’s more, purchasing goods from local merchants keeps your money in town. Those out-of-town and online places don’t fund local charities. They don’t sponsor youth sports. They don’t purchase local services — such as electricians, plumbers, pizza delivery, office supplies and so on. Plus, staying local keeps the one-of-a-kind businesses in town going strong. Support them with your Christmas purchasing, too.

Let’s make 2014 a great year for the local economy. Happy shopping season.