Businesses across Ararat finished a difficult year on a positive note, with many reporting a welcome increase in sales during the Summer holidays period.
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The influx of shoppers travelling from elsewhere in Victoria has significantly benefited Ararat businesses.
Fosters Mensland owner Graeme Foster said a lot of people from metropolitan areas had been eager to support rural businesses.
"Trade for us was steady throughout December," he said.
"We found that with restrictions easing people were starting to move around, and we certainly found people from bigger centres, like Melbourne, really wanted to support regional stalls.
"It was a nice feeling to have those people sharing the dollars around. There's definitely a feeling of support there.
"I think people who live in the city have appreciated being able to come out here."
Lyal Eales Stores Ararat branch manager Tania McKinnis agreed travellers from Melbourne had contributed to a busier December.
"Probably the biggest thing we've noticed is that there's a lot more people coming out of the city," she said.
"There's been a lot of people coming up for the day from Melbourne and even Geelong.
"A lot of them are saying their coming up to support rural areas."
Mr Foster also noted there had been considerable support from Ararat residents.
"We've certainly got a lot of loyal customers who appreciate our service."
Something Beautiful owner Debbie O'Brien said recent weeks had been "very good for business."
She stated while travellers from the city had contributed, it was those looking to shop closer to home who had made the most difference.
"As Christmas came closer there seemed to be a lot more people shopping locally because they didn't get out to do their Ballarat run," Ms O'Brien said.
Ms McKinnis also noted for much of the year COVID-19 had incentivised regional shoppers to support local business.
"We've also had a lot of local people because they've had to shop local, which does help business a lot."
Ms McKinnes said the local support combined with the travellers from the city had meant the store had avoided feeling the worst of the pandemic.
"We've been quite busy all year, and the Christmas period probably just upped it."
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