A FLOCK of tourists and a reasonable year for farmers has seen Swan Hill retailers report a busier Christmas trade than last year.
Swan Hill Inc chairman Terry Jennings said he received mostly positive feedback from the retail committee who experienced a “solid trade”.
He said the busy period began in the week before Christmas as school wrapped up for the year.
He added that Boxing Day was also a success this year, along with the extended trading hours being worthwhile.
“As always it ramps up in the last week as school finishes for the year and people start to realise they haven’t got too much time left,” he said.
“I think an early finish and a generally reasonable result for most farmers has boosted this year.”
Mr Jennings said his store — Northern Shoe Store — also saw an increase in sales this year.
“Almost all I have spoken to reported an increase, personally at Northern Shoes we have also enjoyed a nice increase on Christmas week 2013,” he said.
Most of the stores also participated in the extended trading on the Saturday before Christmas, which saw the streets packed with eager shoppers squeezing in as much Christmas shopping as they could.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Monday’s Guardian (December 29).
