Local GJ stores prepare for Holiday shopping season

"I like the feel of the excitement for those days," said Hope Carlton of Grand Junction.

Holiday season is in sight and shoppers are hard at work getting ready.

Karen Hildebrandt, owner of Unique Expressions said, "I've sensed that people are happy that elections are over and they're happy that they have something else to think about, and my customers have been very positive about their shopping, and I feel that will continue."

According to local shop owners black Friday is very busy for the big name stores such as Wal-Mart or TJ Maxx.

But it's the next day that shoppers are expected to flock to locally owned stores.

Jennie Mason, owner of the local store called Girlfriends said, "Small business Saturday is great, you go online and you register your American express card, and you get 25 dollars towards credit to your statement when you shop at a local business. So it's a great day for us, it's a lot of fun it's so great to see the community come out and help support the small businesses and the local people."

Local shopping may have some advantages over buying at larger stores.

Shopping downtown not only comes with gifts with a more unique feel, but with decorative lights, Christmas trees and an overall festive experience.

Hildebrandt added, "We have such a beautiful downtown, and the lights are going to be better than ever as you may of heard, and most of the trees are going to be high with lights, also I just think to get in the spirit to come down and shop downtown."

Hope Carlton of Grand Junction said, "Grand Junction is such a great city and i really hope everyone supports our local economy it's really important especially this year for us, right here in Grand Junction to shop at home."

However not all locals plan on shopping on the busiest days of the year...

"None of the door buster sales, if I’m in the mood to go shopping I'll just go at my pace and my time, and I just feel it's a family weekend so I think the priority needs to be with family," said Vicki Saunders-Harpole of Grand Junction.