This month I want to reflect on some of the changes in local retail that have occurred just in the past couple years. As we all know, December is the busiest retail month of the year. Many retail businesses do most of their annual trade in the month of December. The increased consumer demand from a growing population is further intensified by holiday shopping. Until recently the County’s merchants have not been able to meet all these needs. This meant that many shoppers left the County to do a lot of their holiday shopping. Trips to regional malls figured strongly into the equation. While these trips still happen they are not as frequent for several reasons: higher fuel prices, the increasing role of internet shopping, and just an overall change in consumer behavior that places convenience at a premium.

 Local merchants, both large and small, have also responded well by increasing the supply of products. It takes some time for supply to catch up with demand but it seems to be happening. More local retailers are available today than ever before.

 According to local Clerk of the Circuit Court records, more Trader’s Licenses have been issued (or are pending) in St. Mary’s County in just seven months this year than in any previous year. (The licensing year runs May 1 to April 30.) A trader’s license is required for any business that maintains an inventory of items for wholesale or retail sale at a fixed place of business. In fact, the number of trader’s licenses has seen strong and steady growth, up 33% over the past 4 years. Note that some of these licenses are transfers of existing businesses while some others fail to open for whatever reason. Of course many do not renew but that’s the risk of starting and operating a business.

 What’s important though is that local retail is catching up fast to meet consumers’ needs, and 2007 has been a particularly strong year in business growth. Several new stores are open along the busy Rt 235 South corridor heading into Lexington Park. Most visible are the “big box” stores with huge selections, lots of parking, extended hours, and other modern retail amenities.

 Not so visible but equally important is the influx of small specialty shops that have opened in just about every locale throughout the County. New business names with Boutique, Antique, Treasure, Vintage, or a similar descriptor in their titles represent a market trend that reflects a very different need than the merchandising strategies of larger, national merchants. In a word, these local shops offer something unique, whether it’s in their product, service, or retail approach.

 Just a few examples of local merchants’ tactics to draw in business include a “Ladies Night” at Ridge Hardware Thursday Dec 13, 7-9 p.m. Even the gift shops in our local museums offer a nice shopping alternative. The Piney Point Lighthouse Museum is hosting a Guys’ Shopping Night Friday, Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m. There are certainly many other local retailers with unique promotions like this. You won’t find these in the Sunday paper pull-out ads so keep your eyes and ears open for these special promotions.

 So as you work down your holiday shopping list please consider patronizing a local merchant. Both large and small retailers make up a good blend for consumers. Together they are also a healthy sign of business and economic development in the County.

 Similar to the “buy local” challenge for locally grown or produced agricultural and seafood products and crafts, this is a friendly reminder of the many “shop local” opportunities available this holiday season. Have a happy Holiday.