With thousands of Butler area residents having successfully navigated the challenging Black Friday shopping experience, the buying of Christmas gifts has settled into its more traditional less-frenzied-but-crowded atmosphere.

Shoppers no longer will have an overload of "door busters" demanding their early morning attention at any one time, although sales no doubt will be held right up to Christmas.

For many retailers, the Christmas shopping season determines whether their year will be a success. The success or failure of shopping promotions at this time of the year will play a role in determining their strategies for the next 12 months — even, in some cases, whether they still will exist at this time next year.

With holiday shopping now officially under way, it is appropriate to remind area residents of the importance of patronizing local businesses.

While there always will be the lure of shopping in and around Pittsburgh, that shopping, for the most part, will not benefit Butler County.

It's also important to note that, as the Butler area retailing picture has continued to expand, many of the shopping venues available in the bigger urban areas such as Pittsburgh already are available here.

Add to the scenario this year's $3-a-gallon gasoline, and staying here to shop becomes an even better bargain.

The gasoline money saved could buy — or at least help buy — a gift for a family member or some other special person.

Within the goal of trying to be loyal to Butler area businesses, area residents shouldn't forget to tell friends and relatives from outside the county about the shopping opportunities available here — including the personalized service available at downtown stores.

Although this city's downtown has experienced an exodus of stores to the suburbs, such as what has occurred in other cities of its size, there still are stores downtown capable of, and enthusiastic about, filling shoppers' holiday needs. It is to be hoped that suburban residents, as well as residents of the city, will allocate time to peruse and buy the quality merchandise that will fill their shelves.

The holiday shopping season is an exciting time that challenges people's resources and spirit of gift-giving. But to retailers and their desire to continue serving customers for many years, its importance cannot be overstated.

Being loyal to area retailers is one of the best gifts that Butler area residents can give to help ensure their community's future prosperity.