New life in the Nowra CBD

This year, shoppers have arrived in Nowra to find a bright and appealing environment in the CBD.

Thanks to the efforts of groups like Nowra Alive, and Riverlution as well as a crop of new small businesses which have opened their doors during 2014, there’s plenty that’s new on our streets.

The open air laneway project leading into Egans Lane carpark has had everyone talking, as shoppers paused to watch the paintings and murals take shape.

At the same time, work is going on to revamp the public areas adjacent to the carpark, making the whole precinct a hive of activity.

There are now plenty of smaller, boutique style shops in Nowra where shoppers can find something special, outside of the regular chain store scene.

These smaller shops were once the domain of little towns like Berry and Milton, but there’s plenty of room for more like this in Nowra, and they will certainly draw visitors into the CBD on those rainy summer days.

Nationally, Christmas retail sales have been healthy, with figures on course to reach record levels for the Boxing Day and post-Christmas sales period.

It’s predicted this spend will take the form of household goods, clothing and dining out which is sure to spread even more cheer through the local business sector.

This increase in spending is thanks in part to the lower Australian dollar, which has reduced the attraction of online shopping.

Add to that some welcome relief at Shoalhaven petrol pumps and we have what seems to be, for once, some good economic news at Christmas time.

Let’s hope lots of residents from around the State put some of that cheap petrol into their cars and come down to visit our beautiful area.

All of us at the Register would like to take this opportunity to wish our readers, advertisers and community and sporting contributors a very merry Christmas to be enjoyed with your family, friends and loved ones.