Albury and Wodonga business leaders call on residents to shop local this Christmas

Business Wodonga chief executive Graham Jenkin said retail and hospitality businesses needed all the help and custom they could get after a horror two years.

Mr Jenkin said so far retail businesses had received a real boost due to Christmas trading and he hoped that continues.

"Local businesses have never needed support as much as they do now, due to the past 21 months of trading," he said.

Mr Jenkin said bricks and mortar businesses had been the real losers in the pandemic, with people moving online to make their purchases during heavy restrictions.

He said a strong season of Christmas trading was needed to keep businesses afloat.

"It's absolutely vital to help businesses get out of overdraft (which will) cause less stress for their minds and improve their overall financial and mental being," he said.

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Albury Business Connect chair and owner of Essential Ingredient on Dean Street Barry Young said although the heaviest COVID restrictions had lifted, businesses were still dealing with red tape on a daily basis.

"It's been pretty tough not only having to deal with lockdowns but those extra layers (of restrictions) that businesses have to manage on a daily basis, like making sure customers check in and checking vaccination certificates, making sure people sanitise and social distance - they're all layers that just add more stress for businesses," he said.

So far, the Christmas shopping season was looking good, Mr Young said.

"It's been very strong, there's a lot foot traffic, a lot people coming into stores, and people are willing to spend," he said.

"I think there is a pent-up willingness to spend some money, which is great thing, and people are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with bit more positivity this year."

Mr Jenkin said shopping locally has wide-reaching benefits for the community and would provide a much-needed boost.

"Local businesses employ local people and keep money in same community," he said.

"It's beneficial for everyone and also gives business people and their teams moral support knowing local people are behind them."

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