Though the weather might feel more like April, Christmas is just over a week away. As you rush to finish your shopping, please remember the importance of shopping locally.

With Christmas quickly approaching, it’s more important than ever to remind your friends and family the importance of shopping locally.

Several studies have shown that when you buy from a locally owned business significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms — continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community.

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance conducted perhaps the simplest study of the local multiplier effect in several small Maine communities in 2003.

The study examined how much of a dollar spent at a local independent store is re-spent in the local area as payroll, goods/services purchased from area businesses, profits spent locally by owners, and as donations to area charities.

The study found each $100 spent at local independents generated $45 of secondary local spending, compared to $14 for a big-box chain.

The Retail Merchants Association has some additional great reminders as part of its Think.Buy.Shop local campaign:

Shopping local creates jobs — simple idea that shopping close to home creates local employment.

Local businesses invest more in our communities. Ask any parent of a child who has ever participate in a school fundraiser, and they will tell you this. Local businesses also support nonprofits like the United Way and sponsor events like Relay For Life.

Shopping locally saves you time and money. Driving to Montgomery or Birmingham costs fuel and at least a couple of hours. You might also be surprised about the good deals you can find at home too.

Shopping locally retains our sense of community and distinctiveness. Nobody likes boarded up storefronts. People don’t always equate how they spend their money with the impact it has on the community. There are many businesses unique to Selma that could never be replaced if they were lost.

Finally, shopping locally supports services everyone benefits from. Every purchase helps fund local police and fire departments, educate children, pave streets and improve infrastructure.

Merry Christmas and happy shopping.