As the nation prepares for the holiday season, stores are making room for scores of people shopping to buy that perfect gift. City leaders in Brookhaven are encouraging its residents to save gas money and shop locally.

"We're trying to get our people to see all the benefits that come to them by keeping our retail sector strong and returning those sales tax dollars back to Brookhaven to provide services for our citizens," said councilman David Phillips.

David Phillips is chairman of the city's "Buy Local" campaign. He is spearheading the marketing campaign by buying ads and printing memos all over the city to entice residents to buy at home. The retail industry makes up fifty six percent of the city's revenue, and that money finance the police, parks and recreation, and fire departments. Shopping locally also strengthens the business sector for citizens.

"It keeps our retail sector strong, provides jobs for people, and gives small businesses more money to provide a larger selection of goods and services," Phillips said.

Christi Fleming is the owner of "Just Kiddin'," an educational toy store in downtown Brookhaven. After a tough summer with rising fuel and energy costs, she welcomes any additional business she can get.

"With the bad economy we had to be more creative to get customers to come in," said Fleming.

She hopes the strategy will make residents aware of what the city has to offer.

"I'm a small town business owner in downtown Brookhaven. There's a lot in Business people miss and I think it's a good thing to get the city and chamber to let people know we're here and to think local first."