Big discounts helped boost sales for some area retailers over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Record Turnouts Leave Local Retailers Apprehensive

At the Powerhouse Mall in Lebanon, N.H., some retailers reported record sales.

"We had a very good weekend," said Kathy Salter, who manages Bonkers Toys at the Powerhouse Mall. "It was very busy. The mall was hopping."

At Amidon Jewerly store, holiday sales are also off to a strong start, according to owner Steve Doubleday.

"It went quite well," said Doubleday, referring to sales over the Thanksgiving weekend. "It was our best post-Thanksgiving weekend yet. That was sort of surprising and pleasing."

The good news comes as retailers face a battered economy and five fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.

Store managers like Kathy Salter said discounts have helped them to attract customers in a tough economic climate.

"We have a couple of things on sale," she said.