Shopping local has several benefits that contribute to the overall well-being of communities and local economies. Here are some reasons why supporting local businesses is important:

1. **Community Support:**
   - Local businesses are often owned and operated by people who live in the same community as their customers. By supporting these businesses, you're investing in your own community and helping it thrive.

2. **Economic Impact:**
   - Money spent at local businesses tends to stay within the community. Local businesses are more likely to source their products and services locally, which helps create a cycle of economic sustainability.

3. **Job Creation:**
   - Local businesses are significant contributors to job creation. When you support them, you're helping to maintain and create employment opportunities in your community.

4. **Unique Products and Services:**
   - Local businesses often offer unique and specialized products that you might not find in larger, more mainstream stores. Supporting them encourages diversity in the marketplace and helps maintain a vibrant local culture.

5. **Environmental Impact:**
   - Shopping locally can have a smaller environmental footprint compared to purchasing from large, distant corporations. Local businesses often have shorter supply chains, which can reduce transportation-related pollution.

6. **Personalized Service:**
   - Local businesses are more likely to provide personalized and attentive customer service. Building relationships with local shop owners can lead to a more satisfying shopping experience.

Now, concerning Cyber Monday discounts, while these deals can offer significant savings, it's essential to strike a balance. Here are some reasons why you might consider not exclusively focusing on online discounts:

1. **Impact on Local Businesses:**
   - Large online retailers often dominate Cyber Monday sales, potentially taking business away from local shops. By exclusively seeking online discounts, you might contribute to the decline of local businesses.

2. **Quality over Quantity:**
   - Local businesses may not always be able to compete with the deep discounts offered by online giants. However, they often provide high-quality products and personalized service that may outweigh the allure of massive discounts.

3. **Long-Term Sustainability:**
   - A community with a healthy mix of local and online businesses is more likely to be economically sustainable in the long run. Prioritizing local shopping helps maintain this balance.

4. **Preservation of Local Culture:**
   - Local businesses often reflect the unique character and identity of a community. Supporting them helps preserve and celebrate the local culture.

In summary, while taking advantage of online discounts can be a part of your shopping strategy, considering the broader impact on your community and local businesses is important for fostering a sustainable and thriving local economy.