At Wollongong Central Scott Blasdall, of What's Cooking, had a COVID safe queue lined up outside the store for weeks and is expecting the same on Boxing Day.
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In the six years he has run the business in Wollongong it is one of the best festive seasons he has experienced.
And said that was partly because of COVID-19.
"It is the business I am in I think," he said.
"Everyone is cooking and being creative in the kitchen. I think they have developed a like for it."
Mr Blasdall said with no international travel cooking products have also more popular because more families celebrating together at home this Christmas.
And the record trade he has been experiencing means he was able to put on more staff.
"I have taken some people from the travel industry," he said.
"I brought two ladies on in October for a couple of days a week. And their hours increased leading up to Christmas. They are great with customer service and have fitted in really well."
On Boxing Day Mr Blasdell is discounting some stock up to 70 per cent and is taking the Boxing Day sale at What's Cooking through to the January sales.
Mr Blasdall said the queues haven't been an issue because people are just grateful to be able to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Centre manager Jasmin North is expecting the whole shopping centre to have one of its best days trading all year on Saturday.
"This is always the most important quarter on the retail calendar and it is no different this year," she said.
"We saw some really strong sales through the Black Friday weekend and some very happy retailers.
"And they are now expecting strong sales on Boxing Day.
"To be in a position to have a really strong finish to December is a great way to end this year."
Ms North has spoken to most of the retailers this week and said the general sentiment is really positive.
"People have really been taking advantage of the longer trading hours so they can spread out their shopping," she said.
"Shoppers are all coming here in a calm, patient and respectful fashion which has been really lovely.
"You can see it and you can feel it.
"The centre has been consistently busy. Wednesday was our busiest day so far. But despite that busyness there is something about the way people are conducting themselves when they come here that is a little bit different to the typical Christmas.
"It might be reflective of the year we have had. Maybe people have a new benchmark about what there is to really worry about."
SDA NSW/ACT Secretary Bernie Smith said as the COVID outbreak in Sydney grows, SDA is asking everyone in Sydney and NSW to keep their cool, keep their distance and wear a mask when shopping to help protect not just retail workers, but our wider community.
"Face masks and social distancing are vital health measures we can all follow during this most recent outbreak. The health and safety of retail workers as well as our general community depend on it," Mr Smith said.
"Take extra precaution around the Boxing Day sales. Remember they are not a one day event. This year stay home and enjoy Boxing Day with your close family or friends and avoid the crowds.
"The reality is the Boxing Day sales usually run for about two weeks after Christmas. There is plenty of time to bag a bargain and stay safe too. Plan your sale visits over subsequent days to promote social distancing and help keep workers and fellow shoppers as safe as possible.
"Retail workers and fast food workers deserve a break. They are frontline workers and they're trying to do the best job they can. Show them respect, keep your cool and follow the rules. Don't get frustrated, remember no one deserves a serve."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
