Black Friday Deals 2009: Small Town Businesses Want To Lure Shoppers Away From Big Box Stores

"We need to stay competitive, and when you can drive 60 miles to get these products at a lower price, that's an issue," Iveland said.

"You don't see the lines like you do downtown at the big stores, but that just means that you're getting a much more personal shopping experience," Iveland added. 

Roundabout sports owner Tammi Sheldon has a different philosophy. Her store sells used sporting goods that are important to size up and try out before they're purchased. She says it's a service that major retailers and online stores just can't offer.

"If you're buying online you can't touch and feel and look things over.  Here you touch and feel it and make sure it fits," Sheldon says.

Roundabout Sports' Holiday retail plan:  Cash for Christmas ---an event Sheldon hopes will attract parents who want to trade in their child's old, or outdated toys for cash. 

Marlene Betten, President of the Alexandria Downtown Merchant Circle, says her organization is promoting the holiday through special holiday deals, extended hours, and small-town customer service. 

"We offer the things that the big box stores and major retailers cannot do," said Betten, who also owns Sweet Seasons, a seasonal antique store. "We offer that hometown, warm fuzzy feeling."