Worries about the nation's economic problems seemed to have little effect Friday on the bottom line of small retailers in Evans.

"We've been doing very well today," said Liz Connor of Strictly Country, a gifts and collectibles store at the corner of Belair and Washington roads. "I guess this area is immune."

Ms. Connor said the store, which features an entire room of Christmas decorations, did well Friday, but she expected a better day today.

"That's when people will come in and look for decorations for the (Christmas) tree or around the home," she said. "Most people today are looking for gifts."

Learning Express on Washington Road, encouraged shopping by offering 10 percent off on all of the toy store's merchandise.

"It's been our biggest day of the year and it's only one o'clock," said Trey Allen, Learning Express owner.

Mr. Allen said he expects more hefty selling days as Christmas approaches.

"I think toy stores are somewhat insulated from a bad economy, because parents will still want to make sure their kids have a good Christmas," he said.

Serving as the Augusta-area's only MacIntosh computer retailer proved advantageous for PeachMac owner Darryl Peck, who said his store on Washington Road experienced strong sales all day.

"It was a lot better than I expected," said Mr. Peck, who also owns a PeachMac in Athens and opened the Evans branch in October. "This is a growth industry. I think the economy will turn around in 2009 and I expect things will be even better next year."