Despite pesky inflation, mass layoffs and high interest rates, American retailers have great expectations at the starting gate to the 2025 holiday shopping spree. In fact, the National Retail Federation predicts this will be our nation’s first $1 trillion Christmas-buying frenzy.

Clearly, we still want to celebrate and give, but many nonetheless are watching their purchase decisions ever more closely in search of the best value for their hard-earned buck. Part of that decision-making should focus on support for small businesses, the lifeblood of local economies here in the Mahoning Valley and across the nation.

After the rush and crush of Black Friday yesterday, it’s important for holiday shoppers to keep the momentum going and to keep our local, small shops in mind as they continue thei

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