SPOKANE, Wash. — The holiday season is here, and Americans are expected to spend more this year than ever before, but many consumers say they're tightening their wallets as rising costs continue to take a toll.

Despite consumers spending concerns, local retailers are experiencing a boost as the holiday shopping season progresses.

"It's make or break for us. We probably do 80% of our business for the entire year in our fourth quarter," said Denielle Waltermire-Stuhlmiller, owner of Simply Northwest, a store in Spokane Valley that specializes in gift baskets.

But for the last few years, added economic uncertainty has challenged them.

"The last couple of years have definitely been very stressful as a small business owner," Waltermire-Stuhlmiller said.

That struggle was felt by several bu

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