Back-to-school sales are already popping up, and so now is a good time to remember the value of shopping locally. The benefits are as plentiful as the bargains. More than 70 percent of the money you spend will stay in the local economy. That means better jobs at better wages, better schools and better municipal and county services. The operative word is “better.”

And in the midst of a slow recovery elsewhere in the nation, Oklahoma City and surrounding towns continue to see steady retail growth. For unique and terrific local retailers, there are many areas from which to choose, including Classen Curve, Western Avenue, the Paseo, the Plaza District, Casady Square, Northpark Mall, Nichols Hills Square, 50 Penn Place, Chatenay Square, downtown Edmond and Norman’s Campus Corner – to name but a few. So shop, shop, shop – but, for your own safety, we’d caution you to stop before you drop. That just sounds unpleasant.