Opinion - Black Friday and local merchants

Next Thursday is Thanksgiving. The day after is almost as famous. It is Black Friday.

That is when, at least in theory, holiday sales start and retailers start to turn a profit, going from the red into the black.

It is the day when the news is full of clamoring crowds and security guards trying to hold back throngs of people until store opening hours. News covers which retailers won and which lost in the race for profits.

Many of the Black Friday loss leaders designed to bring in the crowds this year are already posted on the internet as stores vie for customers and try to build enthusiasm.

So far, the year has been tough on retailers nationally. The chains and box stores are struggling. The economy remains sluggish.

The upcoming holiday season is the hoped for cure for the slow year.

Not only have the major retailers, with all their resources, been affected by the economy, but the small town merchant has been affected, too. As consumers remain cautious and frugal, the impact is everywhere. Even, and sometimes especially, in small towns the impact is dramatic.

One thing does not slow down in small towns. That is the number of requests for support and contributions. Most local merchants are deluged with requests to support this event or that community project, this school fund raising drive or that special community need. Local retailers are the center of community activities and generally give willingly and generously when asked.

The small town merchant is also where local employment starts, where local taxes are generated and where local goods and services are readily available all year.

Black Friday will be long over when goods and services are still available locally. It is something to think about this Black Friday and throughout the holiday season. Local merchants need to be supported, too.

Gordon Forgey,

Publisher