FARMINGTON – Downtown business representatives say that sales are up and more people are shopping locally this season. Some of the hot items are diamonds, books, DVDs, music and warm clothing.

With Christmas nearing, the people in the Franklin County area seem to be shopping close to home.

Beth Neeley, manager of Trask Jewelers, said engagement rings are popular.

“It’s a special time of year,” she said, “Men like to propose on Christmas eve.”

They try to avoid the crowds of busy malls and shopping centers, she said, so they buy at smaller stores.

Local people have been very supportive, she said. It has been that way for the last couple years, she added.

At the bookstore on Broadway, Kenny Brechner said some of the hottest books are “The Faithful” by Stewart O’Nan and Stephen King, which chronicles the 2004 Red Sox winning season. Another top seller for adults is “The Chronicles” Volume 1, an autobiography by Bob Dylan.

A recommended children’s book is “The Edge Chronicles” by Paul Stewart and artist Chris Ridell, a mystical fantasy popular with children ages 8 to 14, said Brechner, owner of Devaney Doak & Garrett Booksellers.

“The Polar Express” book was popular when the movie first came out. Brechner said movies sometimes influence what people buy for books. He mentioned “Lord of the Rings” and the “Harry Potter” series as prime examples.

Surprising to Brechner, he said, was a demand for the card game Quiddler, which has proven to be a top seller.

Ernie Scholl owner of Everyday Music Co., said people like to stay local for their music needs and appear to be shopping for better quality and service this year.

Musicians Allison Krauss, Ray Charles, John Fogerty and Ray Lamontagne are top sellers. Lamontagne lives in Wilton. His CD “Trouble” is selling well, Scholl said.

Lamontagne’s music has been compared to Van Morrison, Scholl said.

Guitars are popular this year as well as guitar lessons offered by the store. This time of year he finds that people unfamiliar with music are coming in to find gift ideas.

Scholl said that in general his business has been busier than the last two seasons.

Carolyn Smith, manager of Renys, said that customers are buying practical gifts and some frivolities. Some hot items at Renys were snowshoes, specialty crystals including a lighted stand, socks, warm clothes and lined jeans.

Gift bags are popular this year replacing wrapping paper and gift boxes, she said.

Name brand items such as Woolrich and Columbia are “selling very well,” she added.

“Business is excellent,” Smith said. “Sales are up over last year.”

As Smith turned back to work, she noted that this season, “Our residents have a sweet tooth, quite a sweet tooth.”