Conway shoppers are spending with purpose this holiday season, local retailers say, but what they’re after depends on where they shop.

At Haynes Ace Hardware, chief operating officer Brian Porterfield said customers are willing to pay for quality.

“One trend that seems to be fading is the idea that customers automatically choose the cheapest option,” he said. “Price is certainly important, but we’re finding that quality, convenience, product knowledge, and customer service still carry a lot of weight.”

Those customers also want something unexpected, Porterfield said. Specialty items such as Tyler Candles, outdoor cooking gear, and sports trading cards now draw shoppers who might never have considered a hardware store for gifts.

The same hunt for something different drives business at Rebel + Bolt, where animal prints, western-inspired styles, and straighter-fit denim are among the current favorites.

“Having unique pieces you can’t find everywhere else is what brings customers to Rebel + Bolt,” said owner Lily Oaks.

For many families, though, price still comes first. At Once Upon a Child, a resale store, owner Leanne Homan said bamboo apparel sells well because it’s discounted and its longevity lets children wear it longer. Rising costs are adding to the strain, she said.

“A lot of people are struggling, and I think it makes it harder for customers to understand and accept that those things affect local businesses as well,” Homan said.

Whatever their budgets, all three stores are planning holiday events and deals to bring shoppers in. Rebel + Bolt will open its new, larger storefront at 825 S. Donaghey Ave. on Nov. 5, ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and additional shopping incentives in December.

Once Upon a Child follows with its New Toy Drop on Nov. 21, releasing new, in-box toys at discounted prices. Apparel will be 25% off on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, when the store will also hold a giveaway, and its 12 Days of Deals begins Dec. 12.

Haynes Ace Hardware will offer holiday savings all season on popular brands, tools, outdoor cooking products, and Christmas décor. The store will also host its annual Winter Market, featuring local vendors, on Dec. 5 and Christmas at Ace, a family event, on Dec. 19.