If you chose to do your Christmas shopping locally instead of online this year, Griffith retail businesses thank you.
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People spending more money on their homes, increased regional travel and end of year celebrations have all played a part in seeing Griffith retailers enjoy increased sales over the Christmas period.
"We had a very positive Christmas, it was better than last year," Nathan Guglielmino from Mia Casa said.
"I suppose the general consensus was that people were spending a lot more money locally.
"We've been selling a lot more kitchenware. We assume it's because people are cooking more at home rather than going out."
Mr Guglielmino who has owned and managed Mia Casa along with his wife Sofia for 15 years said that chatting to customers he found that people were forced to cancel their overseas holidays in 2020.
"Everyone told me they were supposed to be on holidays in Maldives or in Italy or Egypt. All these people who would normally be overseas this time of year have more cash to spend on more presents," Mr Guglielmino said.
"Nothing has been like 2020 in the 15 years I have had Essentials. Nothing comes close to it."
COVID restrictions hit some retailers harder than others in 2020 however, but with support from the community 2021 looks hopeful.
"COVID impacted us largely throughout the year because events were cancelled but I was very grateful to the community who supported us through that," Fran Beattie owner of Essentials Boutique on Banna Avenue said.
"Nothing has been like 2020 in the 15 years I have had Essentials. Nothing comes close to it.
"However, the end of 2020 was very positive for us because of the graduations and formals that were allowed to go ahead."
Mrs Beattie has been selling handbags, luggage, formal clutches and jewelry for over 15 years and she said while retail can be a challenging business, if the local community can get behind it, it can be very therapeutic.
"It takes a lot of guts to stand here every day and earn an income in retail and let me tell you it's not always easy," she said.
"A business isn't just a business, we are people. We are here for the community and our customers.
"We have some great shops here in Griffith and it can be therapeutic to wander in and out of them and have a chat with people. It's very encouraging for shop owners and for the people in the community too."
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