NATCHEZ &045; Something crucial happened Wednesday that may make a big difference for area businesses this Christmas.

It got cold.

The temperature can be a major factor in the success of the ever-so-crucial day after Thanksgiving shopping spree, local businesspeople said.

&uot;It puts them in the Christmas mood,&uot; McRae’s manager Mary Flach said. &uot;They want sweaters and coats and jackets now. The hot weather has (negatively) affected our fall business.&uot;

Vidalia Flowerland Owner Marie Tucker agreed saying she was hopeful for Friday based on Wednesday’s weather change.

&uot;If it’s cooler they are going to want to get out and shop,&uot; she said.

Weather isn’t the only factor that affects the start of Christmas shopping though Flach said.

&uot;We are expecting a good crowd but it depends on how people are feeling,&uot; she said. &uot;How they are feeling about the election, the economy the Christmas mood.&uot;

Gloria Simmons, a designer at Vidalia Flowerland, said though some shoppers had already started there is something about the day after Thanksgiving that really gets them ready.

&uot;It’s four weeks to Christmas and they kind of let go of a little money then,&uot; she said. &uot;It’s the Christmas spirit.&uot;

In downtown Natchez business owners said they’ve already seen some increased business but are ready for more.

&uot;We are gearing up for it,&uot; said Linda Garrett of Magnolias and Memories on Main Street. &uot;We are expecting big crowds. This is like icing on the cake.&uot;

Melanie Miller-Downer of Dream Street toy store said she knew her local customers would continue to be faithful. &uot;It has been very busy already,&uot; she said. &uot;I didn’t anticipate it to be starting so soon.&uot;

Out-of-town shoppers from neighboring counties and parishes often spend their dollars in the Miss-Lou, business owners said, to avoid the crowds at big city malls.

Nationally, analysts have said shoppers may stay closer to home, benefiting luxury stores this season while discount stores may suffer due to high gas prices.