NEW HARTFORD - Many retailers, across the nation can't wait for the last minute shoppers to boost sales. Not the case here at home.

Mohawk Valley business owners say profits are already exceeding their expectations. When gas prices began rising heavily several months ago, predictions of a rough winter shopping season seemed plentiful, locally retailers are doing pretty well despite energy costs.

Herb Philipsons in the New Hartford Shopping Center says sales are up from the same time a year ago. They went on to say that despite last weekend's storm, it was a record sales weekend.

The holiday shopping lull that's affected some retailers of late hasn't bothered this store or nearby Big Apple Music.

So after a strong start, what are their respective outlooks from here on out?

"The last week is always real big," said Peter Bolos, of Big Apple Music. "The last couple days is always very big, we just thank god for every penny that comes in and hope to make people happy."

"We have plenty of employees to make sure the customer is getting taken care of...make sure the customer is ready for the big day," Frank Simpson of Herb Philipsons said.

Managers of both stores were surprised things have been so good because of high energy prices.