With lockdowns and restrictions limiting how much business some retailers could conduct during the year, the November- December period is key to helping them return to normal trading.

Be.Bendigo interim chief executive Rob Stephenson said retailers were eager to make up for lost time.

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"It's absolutely vital to them. Some retailers were just hanging on," he said. "So a return to some sort of normality is really important - both to make up for lost time and sales but for the optimism.

"A strong retail period up to Christmas and just after is good signal and gives people optimism (for the future."

City of Greater Bendigo mayor Andrea Metcalf said continued support for local businesses from the region's residents would help retailers.

"This is a critical time for locally-owned businesses who are hoping for strong trading in the lead up to Christmas and during the holiday season to help them bounce back," Cr Metcalf said.

"I know businesses are very grateful to the community for supporting them during the height of the pandemic, particularly when they were severely impacted by Melbourne's long lockdown, but they continue to need our support.

"Shopping locally or visiting local businesses online is one of the simplest and yet effective ways to help our businesses to keep trading and retain vital jobs in our community for the future."

Mr Stephenson said streets became busier when Victoria opened up as it reached vaccination targets.

"Certainly the streets are getting busier, that's a good thing," he said. "People seem to have adjusted to COVID requirements well, we haven't heard of many issues - that is good from the perspective of retailers.

"Everybody is happy to be open again. There was a bit of trepidation about COVID-marshaling and having to check vaccination statuses but shoppers have been happy to be out and about and retailers and hospitality are overjoyed to have people back again for a good run up to Christmas."

Cr Metcalf said by shopping local, more money stayed in the region.

"If you spend $100 in a local business nearly $70 stays here in the local community," she said. "When people purchase goods from online shops located outside of Greater Bendigo, only $3 remains here.

"Our region is lucky enough to have a wide variety of local suppliers, superb local produce, services and retailers of all kinds from pet groomers, plant nurseries, salons, cafes, bakeries, hotels, restaurants, fitness centres and attractions to boutiques and florists and many more that need our support."

Mr Stephenson said with less than two weeks left until Christmas, shopping local will also alleviate the stress of waiting on postal orders.

"The postal date (for packages to arrive by Christmas) might have finished but the advantage of shopping local is going out to find what you like - and if it needs to be swapped, the opportunity is there."

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