The easing of COVID restrictions that come into force on Monday have been welcomed by Tramps wedding consultant Natashia Scamardella.
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The business had been doing it tough on two levels due to the COVID restrictions.
Firstly, as a retail business, Tramps had to adhere to the one person per four square metre rule, while watching cafes and restaurants working under the smaller two square metre regulation.
On top of that, months of restriction around weddings meant couples were postponing their big day.
"COVID has affected the business massively, primarily with weddings," Ms Scamardella said.
"Because of the restrictions being placed on weddings, there is not a market selling people wedding suits because they had to delay their weddings.
"Also, because of the restrictions, we can't invite a whole wedding party to come in with their family and have that experience because we have to adhere to the strict guidelines and stay under the total customers per square metreage."
Sometimes she would have to ask some members of a bridal party to wait outside due to capacity constraints, which she said could be "really uninviting".
But as of Monday, changes to COVID restrictions will bring retail businesses in line with the social distancing measures already enjoyed by hospitality venues.
The maximum capacity caps for weddings will also be removed, with the 2sqm rule applying.
Ms Scamardella said the changes will allow them to have more people in the store.
"I think that's a really positive move by the government," she said.
"It helps people to feel safe shopping again in retail and, moving forward, people can resume a bit more of a normal life."
Earlier this week, the Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth had been calling on the government to introduce a 2sqm rule for retailers.
"With Christmas shopping in full swing, and a proven record of community tracing in place, the decision to apply the 2sqm rule gives retailers some welcome relief, so long as they operate in a COVID-safe way," Mr Zarth said.
"This is particularly important in the Illawarra, Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands where holidaymakers are heading in large numbers."
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