Despite Economy, Area Businesses Hopeful About Holiday Shopping Season

While many think of Black Friday as a day to get great deals at big corporate, box stores, many area mom and pop shops say they are jumping in on the action, with hopes of bolstering their holiday business in the midst of a tough economy.

, of Hampton Bays, is offering a half-price deal on all kids clothing, with the exception of winter outwear. Select toys in the shop are also 10 percent off. The store's shopkeeper says they are expecting some "decent" business this holiday season.

The same was true over at in Hampton Bays. The popular clothing store has a holiday sale starting, offering 15 percent off everything in the store. 

In Westhampton Beach, many Main Street businesses say they are expecting to get a jump on holiday sales revenue on Black Friday.

, as it has for the past several years, even opens for a period of time on Thanksgiving, with hopes of getting some last-minute Thanksgiving sales.

"One year someone came in to buy 20 plates — $2,000 later, we closed for the day," said Michelle Walton, a sales associate at O'Suzzana.

O'Suzzana is offering Black Friday deals on select Vera Bradley items and the store will have extended hours on Saturdays for the next two weeks.

, which sits next to O'Suzzana, is is also extending it's holiday hours on Saturdays, and has 80 percent of the items in the store on sale.  

Over at , Elyse Richmond says she keeps her stores open until there are no more customers on Black Friday, usually around midnight. She expects that this year will be "busy, busy, busy," especially since she has stocked her shelves with hot, new items like gloves that work great with touch-screen devices.

However, while some stores are taking advantage of Black Friday, others are not.

for instance and say they will not be offering anything special on Black Friday and both owners say they are not expecting a tremendous amount in holiday sales this year.

"This year should be fairly moderate, depending on the economy," said Jim Flood, owner of Westhampton T-Shirts. "It's not going to be like our Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends.

To help the local economy, both and the , say they are doing their part to boost sales at small businesses.

"The Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce is confident that this will be a wonderful local holiday season," said Joyce Gilbert, of the chamber. "We have been encouraging our members and the community to 'shop local'"

The chamber is also making an effort to draw people downtown to shop by decorating the hamlet this year.

"Our hamlet will look very festive with new lighted wreaths and trees which is a result of a cooperative effort with the Hampton Bays Beautification Association," Gilbert said.

Likewise, the Westhampton Chamber of Commerce said it is sponsoring a number of events to help draw crows downtown, including a holiday tree lighting on Dec. 3 and a Dec. 10  Holiday WinterFest in the village.

“The Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce has a dedicated advertising budget to promote our members during this holiday season. There are many exciting events planned to attract patrons into the stores, restaurants and theaters. Our 'shop local' theme will be a focal point of our holiday advertising," said Karen A. McNamara of the Westhampton Chamber.