Nov 13, 2011

Gift Buyers Like Local Mom-and-Pop Shops’ Unique ChoicesBy Erin Kutz and Jayne O'DonnellUSAToday.com

Economic concerns linger, but mom-and-pop retailers say they finally have some cheer for this holiday shopping season.

Nearly half are more optimistic about holiday sales than last year, according to a new survey of 792 small retailers by online small-business community Manta. Four in 10 say they already have better sales compared with last fall.

“More than ever, the consumers in our community really seem to understand the value of shopping locally,” said Jodi Black, co-owner of Conover, N.C.-based Beautiful Brains Books and Games. “We are hopeful this trend will continue through the upcoming holiday season.”

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