Nationwide retail sales for the Black Friday weekend are being reported as increasing 0.03 percent over the same time period last year, while online retailers are reporting 15.9 percent growth in overall sales figures over 2009.

The local figures, however, are looking surprisingly very much better for several of Bainbridge’s key retailers.

Threasa Hall, manager at Belks, said sales were “definitely up” over those for Black Friday weekend last year.

“We had a good weekend!” Asked what the hottest, or best-selling items were, she replied “Boots. We sold a lot of boots.”

Ronnie Godwin was even more excited about Godwin Jewelers sales. He said he was surprised to find his sales were up 28 percent from last year and that he has had the second best November in the history of the store. The biggest sellers are high-ticket items, such as diamonds and Tag Heuer watches. He is also seeing a big demand for Pandora jewelry.

The local Sears store manager Chris Helbing is reporting the biggest increase in sales—45 percent over last year. Helbing said the Bainbridge Sears was one of the better performing stores in the district. He said they had some very good specials on washers and dryers and moved a lot of them over the weekend.

Banks Miller, owner of Southern Trading Company said his sales were up this year from last year, that foot traffic is good and he is very pleased with the local support. Hunting equipment has been the biggest selling category of items.

Reeves Linens and Gifts reports their sales are about the same as they were last year, but that was a very good year, according to Tom Reeves. One of the newest hot selling items for his store is the John Wind cotton jewelry, especially the bracelets. Brighton jewelry continues to be a good seller for Reeves.

Ken Markham at Kres Jewelers said he thought the traffic was better this year than it had been last, and Jim Smith, owner of Book Nook, said he has had a good November, close to the same as last year.

Wal-Mart management was unavailable for comment as of press time.