As December approaches many locals have already begun their Christmas shopping.
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You can even spot some recently erected Christmas trees through residents living room windows.
While some opt to take care of their shopping online and others head to Darwin to tick off their gift lists, local businesses are reminding shoppers that there is plenty to buy right here in Katherine.
NT Technology retail manager Geoff Maher said a few people had already begun to purchase gifts for the holiday.
“We are getting geared up for Christmas, we have already put up some Chrissy decorations up,” Mr Maher said.
“We absolutely rely on Christmas sales, we need locals to come in and take a look and hopefully buy something.
“We take a fairly big risk ordering in lots of new stuff in for Christmas,” he said.
Mr Maher said he was confident the store would make a lot of sales ahead of Christmas.
“We have ordered all of our Christmas stuff, we are just hanging out for it to arrive.
“We are expanding our range so there is plenty to buy here.”
Gallop Thru Time Gallery and Framing owner Cathy Farnden said they have already had Christmas shoppers through the door.
“We have had to reorder stock already, we have been busy and selling stuff pretty well,” Mrs Farnden said.
“We put specific orders out for people, we go out of our way to help people find what they want.
“If people consider locals first, it is a good opportunity for local businesses,” she said.
Fe Fahey from Fe’s Variety Store said she will be extending business hours in the lead up to the holiday.
“Hopefully people stay in town to shop and keep businesses going,” Ms Fahey said.
“There are plenty of gifts here from practical gifts and something for someone special.”
New business owner Matt Bannister bought Katherine Camping and Fishing earlier this year.
“At this time of year all the visitors have left so it is purely locals coming in to shop,” Mr Bannister said.
“We have had a couple of people getting their act together early and coming in to buy presents.
“One woman came in August to buy her husband’s Christmas present,” he said.
Smokemart manager Alan Steele said his store does not rely on the Christmas influx as much as other shops.
“We are the shop that everyone comes to for Secret Santa presents, we have a lot of weird and funny gifts,” Mr Steele said.
“(Hourglass Jewellers) being gone is going to hurt this year. They always did really well at Christmas and Valentine’s Day.”
Katherine Times is sponsoring the Chamber of Commerce shop local christmas promotion.
Spend $25 in selected Katherine stores and go in the draw to win $1000.
