We’ve reached the time of year when some folks are starting their shopping for the holiday season.

So it’s not too early to remind you that shopping locally can produce some very good results and save you gas money to boot.

Though many of our local businesses do not operate out of big, mall-type facilities, they can provide most anything you want. And it might even be found at a lower price.

And, if you can’t find what you’re looking for here and you want a mall shopping experience, Stonecrest Mall is as close as Lithonia.

The bottom line: Before you make that weekend shopping trip into the Atlanta area, save yourself the agony of road work and traffic jams by shopping near home.

You might find the experience more enjoyable. You might even meet some of your neighbors. And the money you spend will benefit your local community, not a big, sprawling metro area that gives nothing back to you or your family.