Rosslyn Murtagh, of The Bird Cage in Albury, said high petrol prices and interest rates had seen customers cut their spending in the past 10 months.

The sales slowdown meant garments with less expensive price tags were more common in her orders.

“We’ve just been buying wiser because people have not got the money,” she said.

Wodonga Home Inspirations owner Sue Lowry had also noticed a change in consumer behaviour.

“I would say things are a little slower,” the High Street retailer said.

“It’s (high living costs) certainly had an impact on people’s spending.”

Albury Escape Travel manager Joi Hawton said rising petrol costs had seen more people make the most of cheap domestic flights.

“People who would have driven take advantage of cheap air fares,” she said.

“People will quite often decide to fly because it’s cheaper.”