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COLORADO SPRING, COLO. -- In October, retail sales in the nation were down 1.2 percent over the same time a year ago, which is the largest drop in several years. Locally, sales tax numbers in Colorado Springs are way down as well.

Most retail stores count on holiday sales to carry them through the slower parts of the year, which is why, this year, some stores are doing more earlier to reach out to holiday shoppers.

Christmas may still be more than a month away, but inside Dorinda Gianarelli's store, What’s In Store, it’s already here. Gianarelli's already sold out of a couple holiday items, which is good news, but still not enough.

"We did start a little bit earlier decorating and have already sold a little bit of Christmas," said Gianarelli.

The downtown business owner, like some other major retail stores including Wal-Mart, has put out her holiday merchandise earlier than in years past for several reasons: sales in the last few months have been much quieter than usual and she hopes an earlier display may reach out to more potential customers. “It’s pretty important to have a decent holiday season. It’s pretty much what will get you through January, February and March, when it gets cold and no one wants to go out,” explained Gianarelli.

Although sales are down, what Gianarelli is seeing is similar to what many other retailers both locally and nationally are seeing and it isn't necessarily just fewer customers, but customers buying fewer things.

“This year is going to be hard, but were not buying a lot. So it’s going to be a little hard," explained Nadia Barnett, a Colorado Springs resident.

"Oh yeah, I’ll be a little more conservative this year. Make a few more gifts," added Ruben Levin, another Springs resident.

Downtown has always been a destination spot for shoppers, but with the way the economy is going will extra costs here and there divert shoppers this year?

Julie Golden works downtown and is a huge fan of the shops downtown as well, but said this year, she probably will try to shop at places like Target for most her holiday gifts more than she would have in the past.

Chris Sondermann, owner of downtown’s Terra Verde said she isn’t terribly worried.  "We are doing a few things different but nothing that affects the customer. My feeling is that we might be able to cut some expenses that aren't related to customers."  Unlike some larger stores including some Target stores, Sondermann said she still plans to hire extra workers for the holiday season and hopes that her stores longevity in the market will be enough to weather any economic storm that comes through this holiday season.