Alternative gifts expected to be popular this season

STERLING - Shirley Guay and Rosalee Koldan hope this year's slow economy will mean a boon for their holiday business. The owners of Amboy Arts and Antiques said this winter has been better than last, with more locals looking for the newest addition to family members' collections. With no must-have toy for Christmas, and big-box retailers quivering amid the worst holiday economy in recent memory, this season could revive the adage that it's better to give than receive. Except for Web-based sales, retail purchases are down in nearly every category recorded by the U.S. Commerce Department. That means this year's humble winners could be re-sale shops and antiques stores, chock full of unique and personal items for those willing to troll the shelves. "People know people who collect certain things, ... and they will come to us looking for that particular collectible," Guay said. "In the winter, most of our business comes from local people, and they're looking for that specific collectible." Sales at the new Tractor Supply Co. in Dixon have started to pick up, and one of the biggest holiday sellers have been toy ride-on tractors. "Other than that, there's just miscellaneous items flying off the shelves," said Montana Vincent, the store's assistant manager. "Covered wagons are also a big one, and animal play sets - different kinds of stuff from the norm." By the numbers $832.36: Average amount consumers plan to spend on holiday merchandise. $147.33: Average amount consumers plan to spend on gift cards. 78: Percentage of online retailers offering some type of free shipping. 50+: Percentage of people who will shop at work if their employer provides Internet. 42.6: Percentage of consumers planning to buy toys. 38.6: Percentage of consumers who planned to begin their holiday shopping in November. Source: National Retail Federation