Scarlett Butler, 5, of Wodonga, getting fitted for some new shoes from Miriam Simmons, owner of Petit Armoir. PICTURE: Tara Goonan.
VICTORIANS and those Albury people lucky enough to work in Victoria made the most of yesterday’s Market Day in Dean Street.
More than 100 businesses took advantage of the annual festival-style event, which is making a habit of luring shoppers across the border on the Labour Day long weekend.
Wodonga worker Naomi Williamson, who lives in Albury, decided to use the day off to score a bargain at Thomas Jewellers.
She joined the long line of bargain-hungry shoppers queuing in a 50-metre long line outside the shop.
“I’ve been lining up for about an hour,” she said.
“I’ve got the day off work — I come to this day every year.
“I’m looking at watches today.”
Across the road at QEII Square, curious but relaxed onlookers cruised between many of the make-shift stalls set up on the grass.
Wodonga mum Stacey Butler paused to look at children’s clothes stall Petit Armoir before cries of “can we get face painting, Mum” became too eager to ignore.
She admitted the chance to get out and about on the public holiday was perfect for her young family and they enjoyed the entertainment.
“It’s something different and it’s good with the kids,” she said.
“We’ve been a couple of times.”
Traders from a range of stores, from Stuff-N-Footy at the eastern end of Dean Street to All Music up the other end, used the day to showcase their wares in a busier-than-usual environment.
Albury Central co-ordinator Nardia Copeland said the day had grown steadily over six years.
“The long weekend is a great opportunity to entice people to come and shop in the central business district,” she said.
“It’s probably one of the CBD’s biggest days outside of Christmas.”
