It has been an unprecedented year for local retailers who are starting to see signs of recovery.

Petrarch's Bookshop owner Marcus Durkin said he was thrilled to be having conversations with customers who wanted to support local businesses with their purchases.

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"Like everyone, back in March and April there was so much unknown, that scared us and everyone else," Mr Durkin said.

"Our doors were shut for a few weeks, but since we reopened the support by the local community has been outstanding for us.

"We always appreciate that support, not just for us but for everyone, there's been a real want to support local and we've really seen that come across our counter."

Mr Durkin said the year had taught him the importance of resilience, with his business adding an online store during the shutdown period.

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"Because of COVID, we turned around an online store in two weeks," he said.

"We've always been proudly a bricks and mortar store but everything helps. We were happy to be able to keep our staff employed packing orders and sending them.

"Nobody knows what's around the corner anymore, I think 2020 has proved that, but all we can do is see that the signs are good, we had a good Father's Day and that usually leads to a good Christmas as well."

The importance of resilience, planning and good customer service is a message echoed by Gamesworld Plus owner Shirley Clifford.

Ms Clifford's business remained open during the pandemic, classed as an essential service.

Ms Clifford said local support had been steady which she was thankful for, but now her business, and many others, are facing a different challenge.

"Now the issue is stock, getting product," Ms Clifford said.

"It's global, a lot comes from overseas, because COVID is so bad over there everything is shut down so they're struggling to keep up with demand."

Ms Clifford said she had seen an early start to the Christmas shopping season.

"People are shopping now, and for different reasons - whether it's stock shortages, knowing what they want, or whether they just don't want to be a part of the rush this year," she said.

"We've found a lot of people who used to shop online are now coming in store. A lot of people want to shop local and you never used to hear that

"There are a lot more people around town, it's brought the city back how it used to be and we hope it stays that way."

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