PILOT MOUNTAIN — For area businesses, the Christmas season has always been the most important of the year and a barometer for things to come. A New Year’s sampling of several local businesses reveals that this Christmas has been a strong one and has left merchants excited about economic prospects in 2010.

While a stagnant economy had many business owners concerned at the beginning of the season, both downtown and Key Street merchants reported busy stores and strong holiday sales.

“This was our best Christmas season so far,” noted Mount Pilot Country Store owner Donna Chilton.

This marked the third Christmas season for the downtown business, which had moved to a new location early last spring.

“We were anxious to see how well we would do,” Chilton noted, “and we were pleased. The new location helped, with Soppers (Restaurant) across from us. We really appreciate everybody who supported us and the downtown area. The weekend snow hurt some but it was still a very good season for us.”

The business was one of several to use promotions and features such as free gift wrapping, refreshments and extended hours to attract customers.

Family Dollar Manager Brenda Bowman also reported an exceptionally strong year. The store, on Key Street in the Lowes Foods Shopping Center, was able to carry an assortment of affordable gift items.

“That helped us,” Bowman noted. “People were looking for good deals and our selection of $5 toys really moved. Everybody had been talking about the economy but it didn’t seem to bother us at all. I was surprised by how strong our season was. It was really good.

“And it’s still going strong,” she continued, “better than last year. I think we’ll continue to see improvement and see a better year.”

Enthusiasm was also apparent at a neighboring business, Gilley’s Jewelry. According to co-owner and Manager Elizabeth Gilley, the tight economy did little to slow sales but did motivate some to bring in their scrap gold for Christmas cash or to offset the cost of gift purchases.

“We had a great season,” Gilley said. “We sold a lot of merchandise. We may not have sold as many high-end things as we have some years but we sold a lot of mainstream gift jewelry and a lot of costume jewelry, pocketbooks and accessories.

“And we had a lot of people coming in to sell their gold,” she continued, “some as late as Christmas eve. Some people didn’t have a lot of money but people want to get gifts for their loved ones on Christmas.”

As with most, the strong season left Gilley encouraged. “The coming year is in the Lord’s hands,” she said, “but I think we’re going to be fine.”

Across the street, sales were also strong at De Loache Apparel (formerly De Lei’s). The business, in the Food Lion Shopping Center, offers a range of ladies and children’s apparel.

“This was our first Christmas under new management,” noted Mary Puckett, a former owner who now helps to operate the store, “and it was a good one. (Owner) Byard De Loache was pleased. He’s offering a good variety and we seemed to have want people wanted. I thought it would be good but I was very pleased. We have high expectations for the coming year.”

Frank and Cook’e Jessup’s Mount Pilot Antiques relies on visitors from outside of Pilot Mountain for much of its business. After a strong November, an early December lull had the owners concerned about their holiday season.

“But the last week and a half before Christmas really picked up,” Cook’e Jessup noted. “People came through and it has been strong throughout the end of the year.

“It was definitely encouraging,” Jessup continued. “I’m naturally optimistic but I’m very optimistic about 2010.”

Another downtown merchant, Shirley Cox of This ‘n That, agreed. The small store, which specializes in goat milk soaps and herbs, has recently added antiques and collectibles.

“Our Christmas season went really well,” Cox said. “We were still selling last minute gifts and stocking stuffers on the 23rd. Given the economic situation, it was a pleasant surprise. I know it’s a slow process but this makes me feel like our economy is turning around for the better.”