Shopping local this holiday season has never been more important than it is right now. We have all seen the graphic about how much Amazon and Walmart have made this year - thanks to COVID, the rich got richer. There is no doubt those companies will be here in 2021, but retailers both big and small are closing their doors at a rapid pace. Just walk down King Street and you can see what I am talking about. The increase in volume in Amazon’s sales came at someone’s expense, and often that someone is a retailer you know.But our small business community is a strong one and we are all working hard to make sure we celebrate the holiday season next year. We are a collaborative and feisty bunch. We just need your help (and if you are reading this article, we know you already understand). When you make your shopping list this year, I would encourage you to try and check things off that list by shopping local. We have a cabin on the Northern Neck in Eastern Virginia and when we first arrived, I asked someone about what you could purchase in the nearby town, and he replied, “If you can’t buy it in Kilmarnock, you don’t really need it.” I kind of feel that way about Alexandria. There is something for everyone. I decided to pick my favorite item from each of the Alexandria Stylebook contributors. And if you don’t see it here, don’t worry, part two has everyone else!