With the election over and the holiday shopping season beginning, it seems there’s one political ideology all of us should agree on: shop local.

This holiday season will be more important than ever for Austin and Mower County retailers. It’s important that local residents start their holiday shopping here. Here are a few reasons why:

— At today’s prices, traveling to places such as Rochester and the Twin Cities will cost between $10 and $20 for gasoline. If price is a primary reason to go out of town to shop, travel costs surely should be factored in.

— Local stores can offer more than one would expect. And when it comes to Christmas gifts, there certainly are “perfect” gifts that Austin retailers can provide.

— By buying locally, you are supporting local store owners who often give back to their community in terms of donations and support to charitable causes. Even corporately owned stores provide help to local causes.

— Buying locally not only supports local retail jobs, but boosts sales numbers that retailers use to determine new store locations. Stores will only be built where there is demand for products.

No one is suggesting you can’t enjoy a weekend shopping in Rochester or the Twin Cities, or hit your favorite retail websites. Retailers would simply ask that we all first spend some time seeing what our area has to offer.