Local retailers say that the first holiday shopping weekend was pretty good for them.Hot gift items included children’s books and tablets. In Knoxville, Next Chapter Manager Annie Leonard said that the increase in other local retailers definitely helped increase their traffic. Most local retailers said that business was at least a little bit better than last year, and the promotion of Small Business Saturday has helped the awareness of small businesses overall. Karen Eishchen, at the Pella Chamber of Commerce, says that businesses in Pella also generally saw notable increases in traffic and sales versus last year, which she says has to do with shopping local campaigns.

They’re now getting ready for another event this week – the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce has organized the Ladies Night Out, which takes place tomorrow from 5-8pm.