Summer trade hot in Inverloch
SUMMER is heating up, and Inverloch traders have reaped the rewards both during the Christmas New Year period and throughout January.
Paul the Pieman enjoyed an excellent holiday period, with more day trippers making their way to the coastal town.
“It’s the weather that really helps us. The sun brings people to the beach and they come in for a bite to eat during the day,” owner Paul Woods said.
“Everyone comes down because they love their water sports and we offer options for breakfast and lunch.”
This season’s bestsellers were the classic sausage rolls and meat pies, followed by vanilla slice, white bread and coffee.
“We found ourselves making new batches every day. We put pressure on our butcher because we exceeded our own expectations,” Mr Woods said.
“I think business is up on last year. Business used to be a bit more seasonal but more people are coming in throughout the year and winter was quite good also. Inverloch is seeing plenty of growth.”
Mr Woods said Inverloch’s location was helping with the flow of tourism. People are starting to look further a field for a holiday destinations, and Inverloch is just one and a half hours from Melbourne.
“It’s the same as having Lorne on the other side of the city. It’s accessible to families. I think the real estate agents in town really have their work cut out for them; the town has had a lot more growth since I’ve been here.”
Mr Woods said a recent renovation had also helped the bakery become more efficient and helped staff flow through customers at the counter.
The rush did not end after New Year for Paul the Pieman. The bakery filled a big order for Tarwin music festival Unify last weekend, which had staff baking around the clock for three days.
Gusto Gelateria experienced a massive hike in business once the warmer weather settled in.
“Inverloch has been quite packed lately. We normally have a few more people in around December but we had a late summer this year. Business is in full force now,” owner Rhia Nix said.
“It has been fantastic. Winter can be a hard for most businesses so it’s great to see plenty of people coming in and boosting the business.”
Once again, salted caramel was the public’s favourite gelato flavoured, followed by chocolate hazelnut and the new sticky date pudding.
Gusto Gelateria opened its Wonthaggi shop this year and already has a consistent flow of customers.
Haze and Home and the Inlet Hotel have both enjoyed consistent seasons.
Owner of Haze and Home Kylie Hodge said her business was a popular destination to shop for Christmas present.
“We had heaps of locals come in before December. We’ve just started to stock plants, which were really popular,” she said.
“Summer clothes and books were popular as well. The tourism market was busier after New Year. Overall, it has all been pretty positive.”
The Inlet Hotel’s John McInnes said a lot of families had come in to enjoy a meal.
“It’s been a pretty solid summer. We’ve seen similar numbers to last year, which we are happy with,” he said.
Busy bakery: Paul the Pieman’s Sharon Gostling showcases the delicious range of bread baked in store every day.
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Posted by Tayla Kershaw on Jan 24 2017. Filed under Featured, News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
