PIERRE, S.D. (WNAX) – Black Friday and Cyber Monday are past, and businesses are looking at a fast sprint to Christmas.

Nathan Sanderson, Executive Director of the South Dakota Retailers Association, says these last few weeks are very important to many small businesses.

Sanderson says the final rush each year depends on the calender.

Many towns are seeing long time retailers retire and close their stores. Sanderson says that is part of the business evolution.

Sanderson says most retailers are hoping to match last years numbers due to the issues ag producers have faced all year.