Empty shop fronts and ongoing construction with the streetscape upgrade painted a quiet picture in the town throughout most of the year, but business is slowly starting to rebound.

A number of new businesses have popped up on Stawell’s Main Street, filling the empty stores and creating a buzz in the town.

“We have been getting a lot of feedback saying business is good right now,” Northern Grampians Shire’s StawellBiz representative Karen Hyslop said. “It is just really busy at the moment. There are always cars about on Main Street, which is great to see.

“StawellBiz also has the Christmas carols on in Main Street now, which just adds to the great atmosphere.”

Cr Hyslop said it was not just business on Main Street that was thriving. 

“I am also hearing the occupancy rate in motels is increasing,” she said.

Mildura-based Ian Simpson is the owner of Simpson's Bargain Basement Gifts which has various store locations throughout western Victoria. He has set his sights on opening a franchise in Stawell, noting the growth in the town. 

“I have been looking at Stawell as a potential for about 10 or 12 years but now is as good a time as ever,” he said.

“We see a gap in the market in Stawell with what we offer and a really exciting prospect for where things are heading with it.

“It was doing good dollars a few years ago and there is no reason that cannot continue.”

A significant focus has been placed on business in the town across the past 12 months, as the retail industry continues to fight against the online shopping giant.

Projects such as the streetscape, introducing the Retail Doctor to review business practice in the region and the resurgence of the Stawell Gold Mine and growth of the Bulgana Green Power Hub and Nectar Farms have all had a positive impact on Stawell.

Sportspower joint owner Shane Young said while his business has “remained steady” for his store, he had noticed an overall shift in the mood in the town.

“Things have gone along nicely for us but there seems to be a lot more people around and the atmosphere in the town has been great,” he said. “It is also good to see things picking up in the lead-up to Christmas.”