RIPLEY – While the larger retail stores across the area report increased shopping numbers up from 2008, the consensus among local merchants is optimism.

Dubbed "Black Friday", the day after Thanksgiving has become one of the biggest holiday spending days of the year. The term originated from the efforts of the larger chain stores to keep their annual profit figures in the black. Local business offers special sales and merchandise and the advantage of shopping locally without traveling to adjoining cities or across state lines.

Local businesses reported this week good crowds and definitely increased spending.

Said Stones Jewelry Store Manager Nancy Jackson: "While our business is maybe not as good overall as in past years, we are really optimistic about the upcoming holidays. We have recently done some store remodeling in anticipation of a good year. We have been in Ripley about 25 years."

New business owners of Savy Cee Cee’s, Beverly McAlister and Savannah McAlister, said Monday that "The weekend was real good for us and we are looking forward to doing business in Ripley."

Factory Connection Manager Laura M. Cox felt "We had a good after- Thanksgiving sale and feel like people are shopping at home more this year. We are very positive."

While a spokesman for Wal-Mart was not available for comment, a full parking lot at an early hour indicated plenty of local customers.

National figures show Americans will spend between $600 and $700 this Christmas, revealing a rise in spending.

Small business owner Jane Chapman of Jane’s Home Furnishings said, " There was a great turn-out for this year’s Main Street Holiday Open House. This is a good indication of people shopping locally. All of us in business here look forward to this Christmas season and hope to see Tippah County shoppers making their purchases here at home if they can."