Christmas shopping on Comur Street

Comur Street is impressively-decorated and shopkeepers have implored locals to make the effort next week.

The late-night shopping opportunities are organised by the Yass Valley Business Chamber and member Deb Johnson is hoping the weather won't deter buyers.

“We organised the shopping for the last three Thursday nights in the lead up to Christmas,” she said. 

“We have tried to decorate the town with beautiful lights to create the joyful Christmas vibe.”

“Our message is all about local people supporting local businesses and getting out amongst the community at this wonderful time of year.”

However, many local stores are not feeling the Christmas vibes yet, saying that recent weeks have been on par with the rest of the year's sales.  

Merren Gregg from the Yass Newsagency said that it is a shame the second Thursday coincides with the school presentation night. 

Dean McGrath from Bargain Base says it is his unique stock catering for different needs that has his sales improving.

“The weather has really deterred people, no one really wants to come out in the rain or storm. I think the last Thursday will see a lot of people come out,” Mr McGrath said. 

Trevor Columb, of Anthony Rose Gallery, said that staying open last week was a waste of time. Mr Columb has his fingers crossed that things will improve on the final Thursday.

Susan Wade, from Comur House said the first nights are always quiet. 

“It always picks up though and it’s lovely in the main street on Thursday night shopping. We organised a busker for out the front and he will be back on the last Thursday. I think it’s a nice vibe and it’s just a nice place to come.”

Don’t forget to come along to the final Thursday of late night shopping next week, if not to do some last minute purchasing than to take advantage of the sausage sizzle, Santa Claus and ham wheel. Don’t forget, volunteers are raising money for Can Assist by wrapping your Christmas presents that evening.