LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) – As the holiday shopping season ramps up, downtown businesses in La Crosse are preparing for Small Business Saturday.

Pearl Street Books, a longtime staple of downtown, will be open Thursday, Friday and Saturday during its usual hours.

The shop's owner, Beth Hartung, says they offer a quiet break from holiday gatherings and a place for people of all ages to browse.

"To keep it thriving, you really do need to spend your dollars locally and not online," Hartung said. "So, I really ask people to think about that and try to spend more locally and less online. It’s the difference between a town living and dying, period."

Hartung said La Crosse remains fortunate to have a busy downtown with stores that continue to operate year after year.

She credits shoppers who c

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