Christmas is almost here, and businesses are getting ready.

Names like Rapunzel Barbie, the Leap Pad and Dancin’ Dora sound as familiar to adults as they are to children, says Wal-Mart Toy Department Manager Christie Hardy.

Hardy said she has seen more adults come to Wal-Mart this year than last year &045;&045; the purpose, she says, Christmas shopping.

Rapunzel Barbie, the doll with the long hair, Dancin’ Dora, a doll that loves to dance, and Leap Pad, a book which teaches children to read, are the latest fads for children, says Hardy.

Hardy said one of her favorite aspects about working on the job is that she gets a chance to see children everyday.

One of the biggest days for selling items, says Hardy, is the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, Nov. 29 &045;&045; called Blitz Day at Wal-Mart.

Shenita Miller, who owns Affordable Clothing on Broad Street, said her biggest selling items this year are flare jeans.

Miller, who has been in business for two months, said she expected a lot of shoppers to come in to shop this Christmas season.

Joseph Bearden, the owner of Sneakers on Broad Street, said he was also looking forward to the Christmas season this year.

Bearden said that during the Christmas season, items like Western boots usually sell big. Bearden like Miller said that his store would also be having a sale this year.