Area stores say it's local shoppers that have the biggest impact.
TRAVERSE CITY -- Black Friday is just around the corner, but some shoppers are already getting a head start on their Christmas lists. Store owners on Front Street in Traverse City say they're seeing a constant rush of shoppers.
"I will say compared to the past years that is has been a busier November for us which is good," says operations manager of M22, Nate Davis.
"We've actually seen quite a few more people in the area and I think the weather has a lot to do with it, people don't have to battle the snowy streets," says owner of Holiday Traditions, Stacy Sheren Colombo.
Whether it's the lack of snow or people just wanting to get out and shop, owners of Krissie's Created Gems say it's Black Friday that really brings in business.
"We see quite a few people downtown on black Friday. we don't get the early crowd but we see quite a few people in the late afternoon, evening time," says Krissie Twomey.
Business owners say they're expecting large turnouts this holiday shopping season, but they say it's the local shoppers that have the biggest impact.
"I think it gives them an excuse to come down here and I think a lot of times people avoid it in the summer but coming down here and seeing what our downtown really has to offer, that not everything down here is as expensive as a lot of people think is. there are really good deals to be had and just to support the local family owned businesses," says Twomey.
"I would say about 90% of them are local, so lots of people coming downtown that are locals and enjoying downtown," says Davis.
"We're just crossing our fingers hoping for the best and hoping that if people shop local they're helping out their neighbors," says Sheren Colombo.
Most of the shops on front street aren't opening around 5 a.m. like some of the bigger retail stores are this Friday. Instead, local store owners are extending their hours on Friday for shoppers.
