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“I think with this economy people are being more conservative with their money and they definitely want a good deal,” said Daryn Fogle, owner of the local Sears, 1795 12th Street.

He said flat-screen TVs and appliances are popular sellers this year because these items have been discounted as much as 25 percent.

He said sales of snow blowers and shovels are also up. However, he said the rush for tools could be tied to the fact that last winter was very harsh and people want to be prepared for any storms from December through February.

Karen Shortt of Shortt Supply, 1414 12th St. in Hood River, said customer traffic has been a little slower in the store since Thanksgiving but that is typical for early December. She said business always picks up closer to Christmas and is already better than in 2008, when the economic recession seemed at its worst.

“People are spending more than last year but they do seem to be more interested in buying necessities, such as athletic shoes and outdoor wear,” she said.

“We’ve got a bunch of sales planned so that we can make that happen for people.”

She said an interesting side note of last year’s shopping season is that demand for many products is up this year but less inventory is available.

“It’s been a challenge to fill some orders because many factories have cut back on production – or closed down altogether — because of the recession,” said Shortt.

Specialty shops such as the Wine Sellers have noticed a drastic reduction in business this year.

“It’s slow, slow and slower,” said Jean Dills, co-owner of the 514 State Street business in Hood River.

“We are always slower at this point in December but not to this degree.”

She said customers are spending about the same amount of money as last year – but fewer “regulars” have returned.

“We’ve just been really cautious; our challenge has been to not buy too many things but to still keep a variety on the shelves,” said Dills.

She said another new trend is that people are opting to buy just a couple of bottles of wine to compliment their holiday celebration instead of a full case. She said the case has traditionally been more popular because, while the original outlay is higher, the overall price is discounted.

“It’s really too early to say what sales will be this season since it seems like people go to town (Portland) while the weather is good and then make their local purchases later,” said Dills.

Aubrey Janz, owner of Pacific Crest Pub in Cascade Locks, said there has been “nothing out of the ordinary” in patronage of her business this year.

“We usually have less people coming in during the winter months so we just prepare for that,” she said.

Janz said local trade keeps the establishment in the black during the off-season for tourism.

Rob Wright, owner of the Farm Stand, a new business at 2035 12th St. in Hood River, believes businesses that rely upon tourism to turn a profit have to be prepared for a slow-down from December through March.

“Since this is our first season, we really don’t have a point of comparison with last year’s sales but there are definitely less people in town right now,” he said.

He said many of his customers seeking free-range chicken and turkeys, as well as natural and Pacific Northwest-based foods, have departed for warmer climates during the winter months.

“There’s a definite ebb and flow here for businesses and it’s something that we have to adjust to,” he said.

Mountain Valley Meats, 5605 Miller Road in Parkdale, is not noticing a difference in sales from last year but people appear to be purchasing less expensive cuts of beef.

For example, instead of a prime rib roast, some customers are opting for a round roast that they can get for half the price, according to owner Pat Marick.

“We really sold the same number of ham and turkeys for Thanksgiving this year as we did last year,” said Marick.

“Since we do a lot of custom orders for hunters during the fall months, it’s hard to tell right now how business compares to other years.”

Kit Barton, owner of Murray’s Furniture, 981 Tucker Road in Hood River, said sales of recliners, beds and dining room sets have been up significantly during the past couple of months.

“I think more people are staying home for the holidays so they are investing money in long-term comforts,” she said.

Not everyone is staying home, said Sue Collins, owner of Cascade Travel, 506 Cascade Street.

“People are feeling better about the economy and they are planning more extensive and adventurous trips than they have done for the past two years,” she said.

“I am making arrangements for a lot of my customers to visit Europe, Thailand, New Zealand, and the Ukatan.”

She said, because business for the airline companies has picked up, there are not as many discounted travel packages available as in 2008. She said good prices can still be found if reservations are made at least 30 days in advance – especially if the trip is taking place next month.

“January is typically a slower travel time and there are some great deals out there like a $350 round-trip air fare to Maine,” said Collins.