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Even though Thanksgiving turkeys have not yet been placed in ovens across Butler County, many folks — especially those that are shopping fanatics — are preparing for Black Friday sales in preparation for Christmas.

Extreme shoppers — those that enjoy standing in long lines, braving the weather and taking advantage of holiday savings — are already developing their game plans for the crowded shopping event.

Like most of us, you might be wondering just how it is only one day before we celebrate Thanksgiving. But no matter how we got here, the holiday season — and, for that matter, the holiday shopping season — are upon us.

As you make your list and check it twice — or in the case of many, browse through the Black Friday sales circulars — more than a dozen of which are inside today’s edition of The Advocate – we hope that everyone will make it a point to shop at home in our community first. You might be surprised at what you can find in Butler County preventing you from having to deal with even more traffic in neighboring, larger cities.

So what can you find at a local store that you can’t find anywhere else?

First of all, many of our local shops have unique gifts that you won’t find anywhere else — and often they are of higher quality than some of the bigger chain stores in other cities or are created locally.

But perhaps more valuable is the personal customer service you will receive. Even when the stores are crowded with shoppers, a friendly smile will greet you at the cash register. Most of the hometown boutiques and shops also offer free gift wrapping. So not only are you supporting your friends and neighbors, you can also save fuel — because a lot of times the “great deal” is not worth the drive — and wrapping tape.

But of most importance for all of us is the fact that local shopping benefits everyone through tax dollars. The more you buy locally, the more that money turns over — tax money goes to the city, county and schools; clerks are paid and in turn pay that money to other local stores and stores are able to invest in their own businesses to make them even better.

Everyone wins when we shop at home. So, if you think you can’t find it in Butler County, you are wrong.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with shopping larger retailers too, but be sure to open your wallets at the cash registers of Butler County’s unique shops. Believe it or not, several small town residents wish their towns had a host of unique shops to shop at.

So be sure to balance your shopping habits just like you balance your checkbook. Be sure to spend money locally before heading out of town.