Local Merchants Don't Foresee Jump in Sales this Holiday Season

The holiday season isn't a boon to every type of merchant. Many still continue to feel the effects of the economic downturn.

Jerry Plienis hopes for fair weather this holiday season. It's not that the owner of A-J Meats dislikes snow, but if the weather is nice, he said, out-of-state customers will be more likely to visit his shop and buy high-quality meats. "We have a benefit that we have people from two to three generations who shop here," Plienis said. "People from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan come in for the holiday. ... A lot depends on the weather." Although Plienis doesn't foresee a huge increase in sales compared with last holiday season, this time of year is nevertheless a welcome one. "I don't say that it's better or worse for Thanksgiving," said Plienis, whose Evergreen Park store just celebrated its 20th year. "And Christmas, the people will come…

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