Brad Blackburn, the owner of Cotmakers, said they have seen a steady stream of business in the past few weeks. 

“Business has been steady and we’re quite happy with how it’s tracking,” he said. 

“To previous years we are probably a bit busier, but I am not sure whether that is because we have moved or because there are more people around.” 

Melanie Hamilton, the owner of Confetti, said business has been good, but 10 years ago she would have had eight staff rather than just one apart from herself. 

“Christmas trade has been very buoyant which is exciting,” she said.

"It’s a lot later this year, but we are expecting a big rush this last weekend heading into Christmas. 

“Shopping locally gives local jobs and we have got everything in this town.” 

Wagga City Council has also implemented various measures to try and encourage shoppers to stay local this season. 

Director of community Janice Summerhayes said the 12 Days of Wagga Christmas is a new initiative this year created as a fun, interactive Christmas campaign for both locals and visitors. 

“Sixteen Wagga Tourism Partner businesses partnered with Wagga City Council to deliver new offers each day in the lead up to Christmas,” she said.

“Some of the offers are one-day offers, while some stay valid until the end of January 2019. In the first five days of the campaign, about 450 people have viewed the digital calendar

“The campaign aims to increase retail spend and visitation in Wagga in the lead up to, and following Christmas.” 

Director of finance Natalie Te Pohe said the last few days before Christmas highlights one of the leading advantages that a brick and mortar business has over an online retailer – obtaining the gift immediately with no shipping delays. 

“Council encourages businesses that have the capacity to extend their hours and feel they can benefit from it to do so and accommodate last-minute shoppers,” she said. 

“The Christmas Store Display competition was designed to incentivise local businesses to not only decorate their store, but also enhance the Christmas shopping experience.  

“We want to encourage people to shop locally and not online by creating a unique, festive experience that customers are willing to share with their friends online.” 

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