One Valley shopping center hopes the holiday spirit will bring in more customers.

Many merchants in Statler Square shopping center say it's not the first place people go to shop, but hosting their first Christmas party is helping to change that.

With Christmas just 12 days away, Statler Square Christmas party coordinator Stan Johnson says sales and specials did help bring in those Christmas shoppers.

"A lot of new faces. Probably 50 percent of the people that have come in have been new faces," says Johnson.

Johnson says local merchants have a hard time competing with big chain stores, where most people go to save some money during the holiday season.

"Very hard. We're having to still compete with them. We buy maybe a few items at a time, when they'll buy a whole truckload," says Johnson.

Johnson says most of the stores were excited to be a part of the celebration.

Hair Cuttery stylist Gerrie Robinson says Saturday was a big help for business.

"After Black Friday and Saturday after that, it was really no one in here shopping to get haircuts 'cause they were out of money. So today, it was like once we did this event, it was like booming," says Robinson.

Shopper Dawn Rankin was just going to Kroger, but signs for sales and free tanning made her spend a little more.

"I just think it gets your attention. Everybody's excited for the Christmas holidays, and it just gives you something new to look forward to," says Rankin.

After a successful first Christmas party at Statler Square, merchants hope to make it a tradition.

"Absolutely. As long as we standing, we will. If we can help anybody around this area, we will. So I think it was awesome," says Robinson.

In addition to sales and specials, many merchants donated gifts, free giveaways and also some holiday snacks for shoppers to enjoy while checking out the bargains.

Some customers say they preferred the smaller shopping center experience over that of busy and crowded malls.