As Christmas draws closer and area residents are busy making final preparations for the holiday season, Andalusia Mayor Earl Johnson reminds area residents of the importance of shopping at home.

“I can’t say enough about how important it is that we shop for Christmas, and all year long for that matter, in Andalusia and Covington County,” he said. “There is no greater tool for economic development than patronizing our local businesses.

“When we spend money here, businesses expand, hire additional employees, generate more sales taxes, and on and on and on,” he said. “It puts great pressure on the economy to expand. It also draws more people into Andalusia and Covington County who traditionally might shop in other places.”