With national retail shopping numbers looking good for 2011, the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is hopeful the amount of spending that took place locally is also up.

“First reports to the Chamber from our local businesses have been generally optimistic, but there will always be areas where we can improve,” said Chamber President Kathleen Sauer.

Historically, the holiday shopping season can be very crucial to businesses.

That’s definitely true for the Troy Radio Shack, which opened a little more than six months ago.

“We did better than we were anticipating,” said store manager Maurice Streeter. “It was a strong presence.”

Streeter said it could have been a make-or-break situation for the store, but it looks as if Christmas shoppers helped solidify Radio Shack’s place in Troy.

“We sold out of our major items, like our tablets and phones,” Streeter said with a smile.  “And there was an increase in our sales for RC cars and toys.”

And the shopping season isn’t quite over. Many residents are pulling out gift cards and Christmas cash this week.

“We encourage people to take their gift cards and take advantage of local sales and local businesses,” Sauer said.

One local sale Trojan fans will find advantageous is at Jab’s Sporting Goods. The entire store’s stock is 25 percent off.

“We’re the largest carrier of Troy merchandise,” said B.J. Gralheer at Jab’s. “You name it, we’ve got it.”

The store boasts Troy, Alabama and Auburn coolers, flags, car decals, apparel, gym bags and dozens of other items. Merchandise can also be personalized.

With the end of the year closing in swiftly, Sauer said businesses shouldn’t forget that it’s also a good time to shop locally for items, such as computers, phones and electronics, that they’ll want to write off on tax returns.

“Now is the time to look,” Sauer said. “You can find great sales and get a business deduction.”

And Streeter said he’s happy to help customers find the perfect electronic accessory any person, or business could need.

“We have something to connect it all and something to power it all,” Streeter said energetically. “We’re here to help.”