SCRANTON---The signs of the season are everywhere in downtown Scranton and for some, the holiday shopping season has already begun.
"Honestly last week, people started shopping. I'm not sure what it is, but I know we're in holiday mode right now,” said Alyssa Wahlers of Note Fragrances.
This season, downtown Scranton businesses are staying open until 7, some even later, on Thursdays.
It's an effort to draw more people downtown this holiday season and encourage them to shop at local businesses.
"I know a lot of people work until 5 so it's definitely helpful to have two extra hours just to get things done, especially around the holidays, everything is crazy and there's a lot of running around to do, so,” said Nicole Dupay of Amendolaro.
"It gets people out to see what's out there. I mean small businesses have special items,” said Deborah Sawicki of Rain Tree Fashions.
Customers agreed, it's a good idea.
"It's nice to support the local businesses and the community. I'd rather shop local than buy online and support them and give jobs to people in the area,” said University of Scranton student Amanda Massar, who was shopping in Amendolaro.
Some folks at local businesses like the idea of staying open later during the holiday shopping season so much, they'll be doing it other days, too.
"We'll be open later on certain days, we'll have extended hours and we'll also be open extra days. We're normally closed on some. Pretty soon we'll be open 7 days a week,” said Wahlers.
