The summer period has provided a boost to businesses in Lakes Entrance.
Many businesses have reported an increase in foot traffic on the streets and new faces inside their shops.
Sunny skies have resulted in people getting out and about and spending across the board.
Off the Wharf Fish Shop manager, Brad Duncan, was happy with the amount of people coming through the doors.
“The locals have supported us very well,” Brad said.
“It started getting busy two weeks before Christmas and we are expecting it to stay strong up until the Australia Day weekend.
“Crayfish and prawns have been the most popular. We continue to hit the budget.”
Six Sisters & A Pigeon Café coowner, Jodie Goodman, said business had been “good”.
“Most people come in for brunch. It is a mix but many people come in just before lunch,” she said.
“It has been going really well and the staff have been working really hard to get food out quickly.
“It might drop off a little soon, but so far it has been good.” It was a similar story at the Funkey Monkey Café with owner, Mel Monteith, reporting “It had been really busy leading up to New Year’s Eve, but not as busy since with a more consistent flow of customers”.
“People are coming in for a late breakfast just before noon and then heading to the beach and enjoying the weather. There has been a lot of takeaway food and coffee,” she said.
Lia Bruce, of Lakes Toys, had also been busy.
“There have been lots of tourists and locals,” she said.
“There was lots of Christmas shopping going on, and then there was a nice influx of tourists who always come for the carnival and the beaches over summer. We always get a lot of foot traffic being near the footbridge.
“It is always good to see the children come in with their Christmas money eyeing off things to buy.”
Lake Tyers Beach General Store owner, Lyndel Moore, said business had been steady through December and into early January.
“Business has been on par with the past couple of years, but we enjoy seeing the same faces annually,” Lyndel said.
“We have families that have come to the area for the past 20 to 30 years and it’s good to see their faces.
“This year sausage rolls and hot coffees have been pretty popular along with our gallery, which has gained a lot of interest.”
Brett Morrison, of Morrison’s Meat Shop, says his business has seen some solid trading.
“We have experienced some real solid trading, which started before Christmas right up until early January,” Brett said.
Steak and flavoured sausages have been popular along with pretty much anything on a stick.
At Bulmer’s Gifts, owner, Theo Coucoulas reported it was one of his best seasons in 36 years.
“It has been fantastic. It is one of the best in a very long time,” he said.
“We are very busy with tourists. I have never seen the town so busy with tourists before. I have been very happy with most people coming in and spending money.
“The staff have been doing a great job.”
For Black Ball and Mini Golf owner, Jim Allen, trading had been similar to last year’s season.
“I reckon it is pretty similar to last year. That’s without crunching the numbers, but it has been pretty even.
“There have been more families this year.”
Esplanade Mini Golf’s Vince Saldaneri thought business was “on par with last year”.
“I think numbers are a little bit down this year, but that will happen, being in the entertainment business,” he said.
“The good weather has certainly helped and being in a family orientated spot results in a lot of families coming through.”
PICTURED: Lake Tyers Beach General Store owners, Scott Kingman and Lyndel Moore, say business has been steady through the summer period.
