Folks in our area may travel to Lexington or Knoxville to do some of their shopping, but local business owners said they've noticed people shopping close to home.

It's not the first Christmas season - or the last - for folks at Bob's Ready to Wear in downtown London.

"I'm the third generation. We've been here for 58 years, and we just try to make people feel at home," said Bobby Joe Parman.

With shoppers counting down the days until Christmas, store owner Bobby Joe Parman said the economic slump of the past few years has hurt small businesses.

"You just don't have the rush like you used to have," said Parman.

Parman said folks are still ready to shop, just with a different attitude.

"It's a little more objective and selective," said Parman.

"People are wanting to stay close to home and keep their money here in town," said Carol Krueger.

Krueger owns Soothing Touch massage studio. She said many of her customers bought gift cards for friends and family.

"Despite the economy as far as things looking down, things are looking pretty good here in London and Laurel County," said Don Holt, with the London/Laurel County Chamber of Commerce.

With just three days until Christmas, Parman said he is expecting a crowd.

"There's still going to be a lot of last minute shopping we hope," said Parman.

As shoppers find that special gift to wrap up the Christmas season.

"You've just got to go out there and do a little more. You've got to make yourself available and do what you can to keep them coming," said Parman.

Research shows the ten days leading up to Christmas usually account for one-third of holiday shopping revenue.