There was good news for both local and national retail stores this past holiday season.

Holiday shopping was up on a national level 3.6 percent between Nov. 1 and Dec. 24, while some local businesses reported a successful season as well.

Hopefully these trends continue in 2010 as the economy inches toward a recovery.

Locally, we encourage our residents to continue to buy Mower whenever possible throughout the year in addition to the holiday shopping season.

These dollars are crucial to our local businesses and help strengthen the economy in both Austin and in Mower County.