Please note: this is an old article
It was published in December 2011, so the information may be out-of-date.
Council and the Shepparton Chamber of Commerce and Industry are currently promoting extended Saturday trading hours in the lead up to Christmas.
The extended trading hours have been supported through advertising and complementary activities and events.
Economic Development Project Officer Caroline Smith has been working with retailers to increase retail outcomes for businesses. Feedback received to date had been encouraging especially in regard to the activities in the Mall.
“A number of shoppers have commented that the live music in the Mall has a positive impact on the space in terms of making the area feel more welcoming and safe,” Caroline said.
“The final weeks of the promotion would include some festive activities for the family including a visit from Santa and his reindeer.“We have noted that a number of businesses are still closing well before 4pm on Saturdays,”
“We would welcome any feedback from businesses and customers about how to improve the effectiveness of future promotions to encourage extended Saturday trading.
“This will then help us promote Saturday trading to shoppers and visitors.”
The need to extend trading hours was identified as a priority in Council’s Shepparton CBD Strategy, which aims to promote the City as a premier regional retail centre.