NATCHEZ — Shopping locally is more than just finding unique items not offered in big box stores. Shopping local also offers a unique, personable experience in an atmosphere that is simply Natchez.

On a comfortable Saturday afternoon, shoppers are strolling along Franklin Street toting shopping bags and taking in the scenery.

At Moreton’s Flowerland, a Santa Claus figure spins on a trapeze in the showcase window.

“That’s Mr. Flip Flop,” said Meaghan McCallum, a sales associate with Moreton’s.

Brenda and Blair Zerby opened Moreton’s 45 years ago. Brenda Zerby said she grew up in Ohio where mechanical displays were popular in department stores. Brenda said Mr. Flip Flop is a staple of the store that draws people back each Christmas.

“We knew that was something missing here,” Brenda. Zerby said. “We’ve had several people say it wouldn’t be Natchez if we don’t go by Moreton’s. Those are the little things that make a difference.”

Brenda Zerby said downtown Natchez merchants are aware of what each other are selling and try to offer something different. She said it’s a part of being successful and working together for a greater cause.

“We all try to be a little different when we buy from the markets in Atlanta,” Brenda Zerby said. “We keep in mind what each other buys so we don’t duplicate. It’s different than what big box stores offer.”

Outside Moreton’s, Tara Johnson and friends are in town from Gonzales, Louisiana. Johnson said Natchez is a great weekend getaway because the people are so friendly.

“We were just at Old Man River (Antiques) and the man was so nice. He made us a mimosa and he told us it was good getting to know you,” Johnson said.

Gene and Mary Lou Perkins are the co-owners of Old Man River Antiques. They opened eight months ago and each Saturday for the past six weeks the Perkins said have been offering mimosas as a friendly gesture to their adult patrons, Mary Lou Perkins said.

“It’s funny,” Mary Lou Perkins said. “When we offer them, the women always say ‘yes’ and the men always say ‘no,’ until they find out the woman said yes and then they’ll have one.”

At Old Man River, every customer is greeted warmly, met as a friend and asked to sign a guestbook before leaving. Mary Lou Perkins said 80 percent of their antique furniture is from local plantations and homes. Artworks of ceramic, metal and glass busts and other goods catch one’s eye in every direction.

On Saturday, Mary Lou Perkins was sitting on an antique couch and engaged in conversation with Bruce and Debby Riederer, who are newlyweds of just two days and on their honeymoon from Mandeville, Louisiana. They all are sipping mimosas.

Debby Riederer said she was happy to have found a driftwood Christmas tree at Darby’s on Main Street.

“Everything’s so unique,” Debby Riederer said. “And the merchants are so accommodating.”

Bruce Riederer lamented that there aren’t more shoppers out this Christmas season, a sentiment shared by more than a few local merchants.

Still, those who were out shopping Saturday seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Tina Stutts was in Natchez visiting from Terry to see The Jeweled Christmas Tour at The Towers, which offers candlelight tours of jeweled Christmas displays. Stutts said when she is in Natchez she always takes the opportunity to shop downtown.

“We come every year,” she said. “Local is the way to go.”