Tara Murray
Shoppers were out in force during the Christmas period, making the most of eased COVID-19 restrictions.
For Brimbank business forced to close or rely on online shopping only during the pandemic, the return of shoppers was welcome.
Watergardens centre manager Joe Galea said customers had been shopping up a storm
during the festive and holiday season.
“The lead-up to Christmas and during the Boxing Day sale period has seen very strong customer traffic off the back of what was a really positive Black Friday weekend,” Mr Galea said.
“The Boxing Day sales period continued to be popular, as customers took full advantage of the fantastic range of savings and discounts on offer, including summer fashion apparel, luxury cosmetics, plus tech and audio equipment.
“We are thrilled Watergardens and our retail partners are enjoying a strong holiday season after what was a challenging 2020.”
Mr Galea said while it was good to see so many people back in stores, the centre was continuing to do all it could to help protect the health and wellbeing of its community.
“We all have a part to play in keeping our community safe, and we ask those that visit Watergardens to uphold exemplary hygiene practices, maintain social distancing practices and most importantly, stay at home if they feel unwell.”
Keilor Traders Association president Pat Senserrick said many shops in the Keilor Village strip welcomed a number of new customers during the pandemic.
“The food places were doing really well,” he said.
“The cafes remained open and 90 per cent of shops stayed open during lockdown, which was good for the strip.
“The shops that weren’t, have reopened since restrictions eased.”
Mr Senserrick said people were forced to shop locally during the pandemic and many are now choosing to continue to shop at local stores.
“People have discovered us.
“In the lead-up to Christmas, everyone I spoke with was pretty happy.”
Mr Senserrick said his business, Senserrick’s Fruit and Flowers, had closed for a period during the holidays but trade had been strong since reopening. He said most other traders were experiencing similar sales.
Brimbank council ran a shop local campaign, encouraging the community to support local businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic.
