ARLINGTON, Texas — As the holiday rush kicks into high gear , small business owners across North Texas are hoping shoppers remember the people behind the counters and beyond the price tags.

At Just Love Coffee in Arlington, barista Ben Everett said the impact of shopping local is deeply personal.

“Oh, it’s everything," Everett said. "Having a place where you can come and feel not just like a number but known, I think is super important.”

This season, every connection and every dollar counts. The National Retail Federation expects holiday spending to top $1 trillion this year. But here at home, small business owners are counting on residents to keep at least some of that cash close to the community.

The Mosaic Market in Arlington houses items from more than 100 local creators.

"We ha

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