LEETON businesses have reported what was a slow build up to Christmas spending ended up coming home strong.
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With a variety of stores available to Leeton shoppers, residents were spoiled for choice.
However, bigger chain stores and online shopping continue to pose a threat to some.
With Christmas Eve this year falling on a Saturday, many retailers found their customers to be more organised in 2016.
Antoinette Cross, owner of Antoinette’s Showcase Jewellers, said it had been a long week in the lead up to Christmas Day.
“The week leading up to Christmas was really stretched out with Christmas Eve falling on the Saturday,” she said.
“We found the Thursday and Friday to be extremely busy for us.
“On Christmas Eve we were probably closed by 2 or 3pm, which was what we had been expecting after those busy days.”
Across the country, shoppers were expected to spend up big during the festive season, with the Australian Retailers Association and Roy Morgan Research annual Christmas spending figures indicating shoppers would spend more than $48.1 billion in retail stores up to December 24.
Leeton’s main street was a hive of activity in the lead up to Christmas, with the shire’s supermarkets also jam-packed with those hunting for all their festive ingredients. Leeton Trophy and Gift Centre co-owner Kath Dunn reported her business had also enjoyed success over the period.
“It was a slow build up, but we came home with a vengeance,” she said.
“It was a big week leading up to Christmas Eve, but we can’t complain. We were on par with last year, which was great.” Both Mrs Cross and Mrs Dunn were happy with the amount of people choosing to shop in town for their gifts.
“I think people will shop in town where they can,” Mrs Dunn said.
However, online shopping has continued to hurt, with many using the convenience of the Internet to complete their festive purchases.
“I think every year online shopping is getting bigger,” Mrs Cross said. “We know there are things people can’t get in town, so they have to look elsewhere.
“In saying that, I think Leeton people do what they can (to spend their money at businesses in town).” Did you shop in town this Christmas? Complete our poll online at www.irrigator.com.au.
I think people will shop in town where they can.
- Leeton Trophy and Gift Centre co-owner Kath Dunn