ESCANABA — With less than a month until Christmas, local businesses are experiencing increased traffic as holiday shoppers scour for deals and savings.

It’s expected to be a busy shopping season across the country. The National Retail Federation Prosper Insights & Analytics estimates that a record number of people, approximately 183.4 million consumers, are expected to shop during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“The holiday season is in full swing, and while many consumers have made progress on their shopping lists, most shoppers will make the majority of their purchases over the coming weeks,” NRF Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen said.

According to the NRF, the most popular gift categories this year include clothing (54%), followed by gift cards (44%), toys (36%), books, video games and other media (31%), and food/candy (30%).

Over 25 downtown businesses benefited from Black Friday on Tuesday, and retailers across the area saw an increase in sales on Black Friday.

Some stores in the area were already experiencing an influx of holiday shoppers in the weeks prior.

It’s been a good start to the season at Northern Screen Printing & Embroidery in Escanaba, as customers are buying personalized gifts with names or other specific embroidery.

“I’d say sales are steady, and people are starting to get in the holiday spirit and starting to think about that local shopping,” said Northern Screen Printing & Embroidery owner Amanda Marenger.

She added that the store just released its Christmas line, perfect for getting into the festive spirit.

It’s only getting busier since the beginning of hunting season at Sayklly’s Confectionery and Gifts in Escanaba.

“So far so good, everything’s rolling right along. We stay pretty busy from now until Christmas. It’s looking like another good year,” said owner Jim Kirby.

He added that assorted boxed chocolates are always popular and make great holiday gifts.

“That’s what we’re known for,” he said.

Owner Jody Bugay at Dress Up said her shop is more geared toward special occasions. Still, she’s added other items to attract holiday shoppers.

“I’m a little different because I’m more special occasion, but I added gifts,” Bugay said.

Gifts include cologne, jewelry, purses, scarves, hand cream, and more.

She said the Inis line of body and hand cream is particularly popular with customers this year.

It’s been a great start to the holiday season at the Lisa Ann Boutique in Escanaba, which is promoting clothing and other gifts for women and men.

“I think people were getting rolling last weekend a lot because Thanksgiving is like a week later than normal this year. This year, there’s four weeks of the shopping season after Thanksgiving,” said Assistant Manager Jodi Westerberg.

She added that the shop has something for everyone, including the popular Night Scope beanie.

In addition to the beanies, sweaters, jewelry and winter gloves are sought-after items.

“We are loaded with cuteness,” Westerberg said.

Business is also picking up at North Coast Apparel in Escanaba, with customers drawn to hoodies, flannels, and other winter wear.

“I feel like every year is the same, but every year, we’ve been doing better than the year before,” said Owner Rachel Larsen.

This is the first year for the new owners at Happy Rock Boutique in Gladstone, so there isn’t a way to compare it to previous years.

Owner Shaylyn Gobert said Happy Rock is a great place to shop and hopes for a busy holiday season. She said popular items right now are dress shoes, dress shirts, and other apparel.

“We do have some cute homemade Christmas earrings, too,” Gobert said.

Treasure City in Manistique’s owner, Kathy Skok, said sales have been “very strong” in the past week.

“Sweatshirts and hoodies are doing really well (and) our Christmas candy assortments are doing very well,” she said.

Additionally, Treasure City makes custom gift baskets that are very popular with customers.

Toys are hot sellers this year at Kiddos Corner Boutique in Escanaba.

“Those have been flying off my shelves,” said owner Taylor Seymour.

“I’ve pretty much run out of all of my backstock in toys because that’s how crazy it’s been with the toys section.”

Overall, holiday shopping is off and running and local businesses are enjoying a profitable season.