Positive retail vibe

Last year saw many businesses face some of their toughest challenges, but the Christmas period brought a renewed energy and hope to many small business owners.

With restrictions still in place and the pandemic at the forefront of many shoppers’ minds, many locals decided to do away with the larger shopping centres and shop local instead.

Warragul was a bustling hub of Christmas shoppers and Warragul Business Group president Teresa Mitchell said it was brilliant to see many locals shopping local this year.

“I think it’s just really encouraging that they didn’t go elsewhere. It’s also helpful for small businesses, to make sure they don’t go anywhere after this,” she said.

There were more stores to choose from this Christmas, with the new Bunnings and Kmart stores open for business, which Ms Mitchell said was a key in attracting more people to the area.

After doing it tough through 2020, Ms Mitchell said many businesses were positive heading into 2021.

“We are having a few events, with the Gippsland classic coming up in March, as well as Farm World and the Rotary Arts Alliance event in April. It’s the hope tourists continue to come back as well,” she said.

In Yarragon, there was bumper to bumper traffic during the Christmas period on some days, making the town a hive of activity.

Yarragon Business Association president and business owner Michael Fozard said there was some apprehension leading into the trading period, but that was alleviated quickly.

“I speak as an individual trader with the coffee shop, our figures have been brilliant, we’ve had some of our best days ever. There were more people coming out of Melbourne heading on holidays, so that helped,” he said.

Some traders decided to close their doors periodically for a well-earned rest after a tough year, but those who stayed open saw a large influx of patrons.

Mr Fozard praised landlords who supported their tenant during the toughest times in lockdown.

“The Christmas trade has been good for everyone, the public at large, in general terms, has given us a good lead into this year,” he said.

In Drouin, new Drouin Business Group president Darren Adams said the different industries had varied trade over Christmas.

Hospitality saw most businesses close for some down time, with penalty rates for employees making it not viable to open during that period.

Mr Adams said many locals took the opportunity to head away which also made it hard for some businesses to justify opening.

Professional services also took some time off, while primar y industries continued through the holiday period, with Mr Adams praising their tireless work through a tough and demanding year.

In Trafalgar, the town also saw more people pass through during the busy period. Many businesses took advantage of the higher traffic flow, keeping their doors open for passing visitors.

Trafalgar Chamber of Commerce president Scott Draper said he hoped 2021 would see tourists return to the area more frequently.

“It would be nice. We’d love to get people coming into the shops as well, it would be great to see the tourists through again, that’s what we are looking for,” he said.