SUN PHOTO BY ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER, annek@sun-herald.com

Hobby Lobby associate Marianne Gothard straightens one of the North Port store's many Christmas displays. Like many stores in the region, Hobby Lobby, which opened recently in the Cocoplum Village Shops, is preparing for an influx of holiday shoppers.

SUN PHOTO BY ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER, annek@sun-herald.com

Target executive team leader Stacey Hannon, left, and team lead-logistics Luis Perez arrange rolls of wrapping paper in the Murdock store on Saturday. Target is one of many area stores that will be offering extended hours for holiday shoppers.

SUN PHOTO BY ANNE KLOCKENKEMPER, annek@sun-herald.com

Cindee Murphy, owner of Pies & Plates Bakery Cafe in Punta Gorda, points out some of the cookies and whoopie pies that make for great holiday party dessert platters. The restaurant side is anticipating many pie and gooey butter cake orders, and has also stocked a variety of gift items on the store side.

SUN PHOTO BY TOM CHANG, tchang@sun-herald.com

Sandi Beach, owner of Sandy Beach at 403 W. Dearborn St. in Englewood, sells a variety of gifts and photo services such as glass negatives. She's offering low-cost gifts for the holidays.