It was a mixed bag when it came to how businesses fared in Lakes Entrance over the AFL grand final long weekend.

A lot of businesses didn’t open on Sunday and said sales were down on Friday and Saturday.

Clothes stores found it was a lot quieter than last year, however some food and entertainment venues had an increase in patronage compared to last year.

Surf Shack was busy on Friday and Saturday, but Sunday was quieter, while Footbridge Mini Golf, Lolly Shop and Ice Cream Shack had a bumper weekend with patronage up by at least 25 per cent.

Greg Jerkins noted a lot of people were commenting on the new streetscape taking place.

“Customers were pleased to see East Gippsland Shire is starting to modernise along the Esplanade,” Greg said.

“They were impressed with how our shire is getting things done around the town.

“We are still really busy with the school holidays.”

East End Bait Shop had a good weekend, saying the fact that it incorporated the school holidays was beneficial.

Riviera Ice Cream Parlour had a busy weekend, along with Myer Street Camping and Disposals.

“Usually we don’t open on the Sunday, but it was definitely worth it this year,” Vicki Martin, from the camping store said.

Linda Richardson, who runs Frolic Clothing, noticed people were looking and liking, but not purchasing.

“I believe the drought and general economic environment is having an impact, even in Lakes Entrance,” she said.

“A lot of my customers are from Bairnsdale and other areas and they are just not spending.

“This town needs a major attraction that draws people here. Something like an aquarium, maritime museum, dolphin research and maybe even a sunken walk where people can witness our sea life.

“Bullock Island would be ideal for this and it would not only attract tourists, but school groups and other interested parties.

“We really need just one big, major structure. At the moment people staying in Lakes tend to go to other areas for the day.

“We cannot keep relying on the beach to be our major drawcard. People are now so sun smart and need other interesting things to do.”

PICTURED: Kerri Harvey, proprietor of the Xezzadee Barber Shop in Lakes Entrance, brightened up the streetscape with her Richmond decorations late last week. Kerri was a very happy Tigers supporter on Saturday afternoon as her side rollicked to its second AFL premiership in three years with an 89-point victory over Greater Western Sydney. It was a mixed bag when it came to how businesses fared in Lakes Entrance over the AFL grand final long weekend.