ANNAPOLIS — With Thanksgiving Day a delicious memory, Marylanders are busy checking off items on their holiday shopping lists. Comptroller Peter Franchot once again encourages residents to “Shop Maryland for the Holidays” as he begins his 2014 shopping tour at locations throughout the state.
“Holiday time is about being with good friends, family and the communities we call home. What better way to promote holiday cheer and goodwill than shopping in the many terrific local shops and businesses in the places we live,” Comptroller Franchot said. “By shopping at local businesses, you support the more than 500,000 Marylanders employed in our state’s retail sector.”
The Maryland Retailers Association (MRA) says this holiday is important to retailers in communities throughout Maryland.
“Retailers depend on shoppers during the holidays. It is their busiest time of year,” said Patrick Donoho, president of the Maryland Retailers Association. “Retailers appreciate the support and give back throughout the year by supporting local activities, providing employment and paying taxes. MRA urges consumers to shop locally for their holiday needs to support the people employed— who may be family, friends or neighbors— and to show their support for those retailers who provide so much to the community.”
Hyattsville (Prince George’s County), Bethesda, (Montgomery County), Easton (Talbot County) and Cambridge (Dorchester County) are among the first of many planned stops on the Comptroller’s annual tour promoting local retailers and community shopping areas. He also will visit merchants in restaurant owners in Annapolis (Anne Arundel County), Baltimore City, Catonsville (Baltimore County), Cumberland (Allegany County), Hagerstown (Washington County) and Prince Frederick, (Calvert County). In past years, the Comptroller has also shopped in, Ellicott City, Hunt Valley, Leonardtown and Salisbury.
Comptroller Franchot also reminds consumers that in-state shopping puts citizens’ hard earned money back into their communities and supports local businesses that employ friends and neighbors. He also believes “shopping locally gets consumers the best product, service and experience for their dollar.”
For those who prefer to shop from home, the Comptroller reminds Marylanders to support local store owners by making sure you buy from a Maryland business website.”