Seven day shut down fails to dampen retailers' spirits as they re-open

Boolistic owner Nathalie Sheen said customers had adapted to the new requirement and the system was working well.

The Victorian Government updated the check-in rules on Wednesday, making it mandatory for retail customers to electronically register their details using the approved QR code service.

The 15-minute threshold was also removed requiring anyone entering a shop or a cafe to check-in. Previously retailers could use any QR service.

"Everybody's been really good," Mrs Sheen said. "The QR code is working really well. They're easy to grab off the government. It's an easy system, no-one has said I don't want to do it. It's a good system."

Mrs Sheen re-opened the store on Friday with an unscheduled 30 - 50 per cent sale off clothing and footwear to encourage more shoppers through the door after the seven-day closure.

"We wanted to regroup and a sale also makes people happy. It gives them a bit of a sense to get out and embrace the town again. It was very quiet. We're back with a vengeance.

"There's been really great support from the community. We re-opened on Friday and we're happy to be back.

"The street was really busy (on Friday). From there being absolutely no-one in town, there was a real buzz and we expect to be busy again today," she said on Saturday.

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Phoenix Cafe and Catering's Mark Mitchell said they opened for takeaway during the lockdown and the phones began ringing on Friday with bookings.

"It hurt us a bit but we're looking at the long-term picture," Mr Mitchell said.

He opened the business with partner Anita Drury in January and said they were trying to raise its profile.

"I find the lockdown does us a bit better as a few other places might close so you get a few new customers. We're getting more exposure and it's raised people's awareness that we're open."

He said a couple of staff lost hours and were offered paid annual leave. "Everyone was happy not to take it. They thought the business isn't making money so we're not going to take money. The staff were really good during it which was a big bonus."

He urged shoppers to support small business. "Go get a takeaway coffee, look at all the other shops, go get a coffee from the other cafes. Help out as many small businesses as you can because they're the ones hardest hit. The bigger ones could still do click and collect. They still struggle but not to the extent the small businesses do."

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