No one disputes the importance of Black Friday to the economy, but just how important it is remains to be seen.

Local government officials say Black Friday is just one day — though admittedly a significant day — in the Christmas shopping season.

“Our hopes are for a good Christmas (shopping) season and Black Friday just kicks it off,” said Muscle Shoals City Clerk Ricky Williams. “Nobody knows what the holiday season will bring in terms of revenues for our city, but the month of December is typically the largest sales tax month of the year.”

Last year’s December sales in Muscle Shoals amounted to $1 million in revenues for the Christmas season. Williams said that is in comparison to $800,000-$900,000 the other months.

“I think the economy is trying to rebound a little, but we have to keep in mind that people just have so much money to spend on Christmas,” Williams said.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 256-740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.