BOSTON (CBS) – It could be a strong holiday shopping season for retailers across the state.

According to John Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts, projections show people will be out spending money this season.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Karen Twomey reports

“That’s after three years of decline,” he said. “We’ve been through a tough row, we’re now looking at a projected 3.5 percent increase over last year, that’s well over inflation.”

David Didriksen, owner of Willow Books & Cafe in Acton, says he notices a change already.

“When it’s Christmas people kinda go, ‘well, I’ve been trying to save money but hey it’s Christmas, come on,’” Didriksen said.  ”You going to let Uncle Ed get nothing for Christmas? No, you got to get him something. I think people are allowing themselves to do it again which is nice.”

One of the key factors to this year’s optimism is that there are 32 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas – the maximum amount of calendar days there can be.

Harold Tubman of Circle Furniture says more sales means more jobs.

“It means we can continue to grow as a company, keep everyone working, expand product lines, spend more money on advertising,” Tubman said.