There’s some good news about holiday retail sales this year. A new survey by Manta, an online community for small businesses, of some 1,000 small retailers found that nearly half (43%) are more optimistic about holiday sales this year compared to 2011. Only 23% say they are less optimistic, while 34% say they expect their holiday sales to be about the same. 

Leading the credit card/calvary charge: online sales. While 51% of those surveyed expect customers to buy directly from the store this holiday season, 41% anticipate the majority of their sales to come from online orders - a 10% increase from last year's results. Four percent expect a mobile app or website to bring in sales.

"We're expecting the holidays to be busier than ever this year and I plan to use a small arsenal of online tools that I trust and that I know work for my business," said Norman Linton, Owner of Kentucky-based Tees N Textiles LLC, a custom screen printed apparel company. Linton told Manta that his website and online store are the backbone of his efforts, and says that posting in-store promotions on Facebook helps increase foot traffic into his shop.

Unfortunately, retailers’ optimism about the upcoming holiday season isn’t translating into new hires. Just 13% are hiring holiday help this season. More than half (62%) say they don’t need the help, while 25% said they couldn’t afford it.

It sounds like although things are looking up for small retailers this season, they’re still not quite confident enough to spend on additional help.

View full survey results on Manta’s blog.