NRF projects that holiday retail sales in November and December this year will be up between 3.6 percent and 4 percent for a total between $678.8 billion and $682 billion. Consumers say they will spend an average $967.13 this year, according to the annual survey conducted.
Here are five small businesses that you can visit for your holiday shopping this year:
1. For the guy with style: Brim
"We believe in the power of a good hat. We believe that somewhere out there there is a hat just right for you and it's our job is to help you find it. To help in this mission, Brim offers a wide selection of hats for ladies and gents from major brands to small artisan makers. Our accessories collection is based around small makers and unique finds, with a strong focus on American made." SEE BRIM'S FACEBOOK
Address: 464 E. 5th St., Dayton
2. For the candy lover: Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop
Kick the nostalgia up a notch by visiting this vintage-style candy shop, which has locations in Miamisburg and Middletown. The store also offers bulk candy orders and gourmet chocolate candies. The store has more than 200 bottles of specialty sodas. Flavors include everything from Coca-Cola to Flying Cauldron Butter Scotch Beer and specialty sodas that tastes like ranch dressing and buffalo sauce. READ MORE
Address: 42 S. Main St., Miamisburg and 1212 Central Ave., Middletown
3. For the preppy college student: Jake’s Toggery
A Dayton-based retailer is bringing charming Southern culture up to Ohio. Jake's Toggery sells preppy clothing items for women and men, including brands like Vineyard Vines and Southern Marsh. Launched in 2015, Jake's Toggery has locations at The Greene, the Liberty Center in Liberty Twp. and Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus. The retailer is doing a soft launch of its e-commerce site during the holiday season, and will also launch its own clothing brand in mid-2018. READ MORE
Address: 4395 Holly Drive, Beavercreek
4. For the holiday party hostess: Dugan Road Creamery
The holiday season is packed with parties, so bring something tasty and unique for the hostess. Dugan Road Creamery in Urbana makes soft, homemade cheeses like mozzarella, a six-pepper cheese and several spreadable varieties. They also sell milk products like orange creamsicle, strawberry and chocolate milk. READ MORE
ADDRESS: 1751 South Dugan Road, Urbana
5. For the curious kid: Blue Turtle Toys
Blue Turtle Toys was going to close last year, but it was bought and reopened in the Shops of Oakwood by a new owner in September. The store was sold to local resident Cathy Tapogna, who will continue selling toys, games, books and puzzles. The small store offers niche gifts that go beyond the typical electronic toy. READ MORE
ADDRESS: 2314 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood
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