Even before the rest of the turkey, dressing and other Thanksgiving leftovers were put away, customers are busy taking advantage of the sales that mark the advent of the Christmas shopping season.

Locally, businesses in Gloucester and Mathews saw an uptick in sales as cash registers rang out in the two counties.

In Gloucester

More people seemed to be out doing their Black Friday shopping on “this side of the river” this year, said Joan Roane, assistant manager at Vashti’s Jewelers in Edgehill Town Center, Gloucester.

Roane and a number of other Gloucester merchants said business was brisk Friday. For others, business right before Thanksgiving was very good.

For example, Smith’s Florist and Gift Shop in the Gloucester village sold a lot of floral centerpieces for Thanksgiving tables, manager Karen Soles said. Garlands and wreaths were also popular, she said.

The Nurtury, located on Main Street, Gloucester, was busy right before Thanksgiving, co-owner Alexis...