A sidewalk stroll where shopping bags contain the magic ingredient for retailers.

“I’m shopping for Christmas,” said a shopper inside a local small business.

As small businesses are hoping, those like Cherryville’s Brian Beers break down their doors as we head into the final weekend before Christmas.

“How often have you bought from a small local business like this?” 69 News reporter Bo Koltnow asked. 

“At least 50% of the time. I usually like to come into the small businesses and support them,” he responded. 

This as nationally Small Business Saturday was down 20% from 2024, foot traffic off 4% in the Northeast, as winter storms kept many away.

Assembly 88’s Santo Napoli says spending is down this season in his Allentown store, but its customer reach expanded.

Despite tariffs having some impact, He gives the season a B, as does Emmaus’s Cottage & Bloom, with Super Saturday a make or break day for many.

Joanne Smida of Bethlehem’s the Christmas Shop and Hand Cut Crystal, also gives this season a solid B. This in the Main Street shop’s 39th year.

“We still have a week left, but we still have seen some of our greatest long-term customers come through. So that always makes me happy. I get worried when I don’t see them,” she said.

For small businesses, seeing customers is believing in a successful holiday season.