Natchez may not have quite the numbers to attract big box retailers, but Adams County is one of 18 in Mississippi that rank above average in retail sales impact.

That gives us reason to believe that with a little bit of growth in population and industry, we could see big growth in our retail base.

Still, while it might be nice to see some national chain stores here, we need to remember who&8217;s posting those above-average numbers now &8212; mainly local retailers who work hard to bring quality products and customer service to our community.

And that&8217;s reason enough to remind us &8212; as the holiday shopping season kicks off &8212; that we need to shop at home this year.

Natchez receives 18.5 percent of the 7 percent retail taxes collected by merchants and suppliers in the city &8212; and those retail taxes make up 40 percent of the Natchez&8217;s general fund, meaning it helps pay for the services on which we all rely. The numbers are significant, and city officials are eagerly awaiting the numbers from September, when Natchez&8217;s population swelled after hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

But we can&8217;t just rely on Mother Nature to help our numbers.

Local residents need to shop in local stores. You can find what you need right here at home &8212; and it benefits all of us.