Traders enjoy festive cheer

By Kelly Yates
BERWICK traders say they have had a very Merry Christmas.
However, neighbouring Narre Warren shops have reported that their sales were the same as the previous year.
Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce vice president Paul Stemson said Webb Street shops saw little trade in the lead up to Christmas.
“It was reasonably quiet but I expect that,” Mr Stemson said.
Mr Stemson, who also runs a catering business in Webb Street, said the shortage of customers was not unusual for him.
“The low trade isn’t unexpected for me, we are busy outside of the Christmas trade,” Mr Stemson said.
He said the Narre Warren Chamber of Commerce was hoping to provide street entertainment for the coming Christmas like nearby Dandenong.
He said the main shopping centres enjoyed a healthy trade.
“The shopping centres promoted up for Christmas, there weren’t even enough car parks for the customers,” Mr Stemson said.
A Westfield spokeswoman agreed with Mr Stemson’s assessment.
“As expected, the car parks were very busy in the lead up to Christmas,” she said.
She said late night opening at the centre gave customers the chance to buy their last minute gifts.
“The extended trading hours give last minute shoppers more time to finish their Christmas shopping,” she said.
Fountain Gate attracted more than 55,000 shoppers on Boxing Day, which was an increase from 2006.
Harry Hutchinson, chairman of Berwick Village Chamber of Commerce, reported a 10 to 30 per cent increase in turnover for local traders during the Christmas period.
He said only one business reported a fall in sales.
“Christmas trade was quite sensational, all traders were very happy.”