NOT having to wear a mask while shopping is a magnet for Victorian consumers to buy goods in NSW.
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Albury Northside Chamber of Commerce deputy chair Barry Young said there was a noticeable jump in Wodonga shoppers on Thursday as restrictions for crossing the Murray River were eased.
"A lot of comment has been that it feels like a different world over here and it's nice to come out unrestricted and to not worry about masks," the Dean Street retailer said.
"I think it will have an impact, if they can choose to shop without having the mask it is a positive for Albury traders because it is a restriction."
Wodonga Retailers president Greg Haysom expects not having to don a mask and the chance to have a day out in Albury will appeal to those who have been in lockdown.
"I think being able to go over the border and not wear a mask will definitely be an enticement," Mr Haysom said.
"For people that simply just want to walk around the shops (without a mask) Albury will be the place."
Mr Haysom also noted Albury's Commercial and SS&A clubs would draw those unable to use Victorian pokies which are still off-limits under COVID rules.
He knew of Wodonga pokie players gambling online and said at least by spending at clubs it would keep money on the Border.
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Birallee Tavern's Ben Stewart said the cash-strapped Victorian economy needed poker machine revenue more than any other state.
"Keeping people correctly socially distant when playing gaming machines is quite simple," the Wodonga publican said.
"I would have thought the Victorian government would want every dollar it could get its hands on at the moment."
Mr Haysom is hopeful business will rebound in Wodonga and he said a big issue was sourcing workers given the short notice of restrictions easing.
Albury Regent Cinemas general manger Kelly Davis anticipates strong interest from Victorians returning to watch movies, given the response via social media and the website on Thursday.
Around 35 to 40 per cent of patrons at the theatre are from Victoria.
At Yarrawonga, Robbie Knowles, the operator of the vessels Sienna Daisy and PS Cumberoona is hopeful they will resume cruises on Lake Mulwala in school holidays.
Under NSW COVID rules, those embarking on a trip have to present a border permit and live within the blue zone.
That means further flung regional Victorians on holiday will be unable to cruise.
