Merry Christmas for traders

By Matt Trotman
TRADERS in Pakenham, Berwick and surrounding areas say they have enjoyed one of their busiest festive seasons in years.
The drought, high petrol prices and a rise in interest rates didn’t seem to influence Christmas spending this season, with the majority of businesses reporting an increase on previous years.
Most businesses reported a high volume of customers shopping locally.
Melissa Darts from Safeway Pakenham said the supermarket was busy throughout the holidays.
“It has definitely been busier than previous years,” she said.
“We were open every day except Christmas Day and its been flatout the whole time.”
Joanna Hillier of Sports Power in Main Street, Pakenham, said this festive season had been one of the store’s busiest on record.
“It was hectic right up until Christmas and even between Christmas and New Year it’s been really busy so we are very happy,” she said.
Some shop owners said the long trading week meant there was more of a steady stream of customers rather than the traditional rush.
However, not all traders reported a successful season.
Tom Van Agtmaal from Leading Edge Music in Pakenham said this had been one of the quietest Christmas periods in memory.
“We have been really disappointed this year,” he said.
“People just didn’t seem to come in. It looks like they went to Fountain Gate instead.
“We have a store at Fountain Gate and they said they were really busy this year,” Mr Van Agtmaal said. Berwick businesses also reported a profitable festive season.
Anne Beauchamp of Skinsational said she was pleased with how trading had gone.
“This is always our busiest time and this year was no exception. In comparison to previous years this one has been excellent,” she said.
Pakenham business group president Michael Porter said it was great to see people supporting local business.
“People are always going to go to Fountain Gate and big shopping centres like that, but there are plenty of good businesses in Pakenham and its great to see that they are still being supported,” he said.
“I noticed a lot of people around the street this year and the car parks were extremely busy, which is usually a good sign.”