Local shops see late holiday traffic

With Christmas 2014 officially in the books, local residents are enjoying time with family and friends, eating leftovers or maybe even opening a late present or two.

Many were seen out and about Wednesday, shopping locally to grab some last minute gifts.

At Mattson's TV and Appliance in downtown Ironwood, things were busy the last few days before Christmas. Co-owner Randy King said there were quite a few last-minute shoppers in the store, similar to last year.

"Televisions and cell phones have been really popular right now," King said. "Appliances are always good sellers, but TVs and cell phones pick up this time of year."

At Book World, manager Penny Paquin said business had been "really good.

"We already had a few shoppers this morning," she said Wednesday. "Things are a little slower this year than last year, but people have been buying a wide variety of things from us."

Ironwood resident Nancy Dary picked up a few last-minute gifts at Ben Franklin in Ironwood.

"Just needed a few last minute things for my sister, son and a few others," she said.

Dary said it was "hugely convenient" to have stores locally.

"I'm huge into shopping local," Dary said. "It's nice to support small businesses because you don't want to see them close their doors. I would recommend shopping locally 100 percent."

At the Leather and Gift Shop in Bessemer, it was so busy on Christmas Eve, the employees hardly had time to answer the phones. An employee quickly said business had been "very, very busy, which is good for us."

Colleen Wamhoff and Candi Martin, both of Ironwood, snagged some presents in the nick of time. Wamhoff said she was picking up some arts and crafts supplies from Ben Franklin for her children.

"Shopping locally is convenient and friendly, too," Wamhoff said. "I would most definitely recommend shopping locally. It's a better experience than big conglomerate stores and you're helping local people."