The school holidays have provided a much-needed boost to businesses in Lakes Entrance.

Many businesses have reported an increase in foot traffic on the streets and new faces inside their shops.

Sunny skies have resulted in people getting out and about and spending across the board.

The Funkey Monkey Café reported welcoming “a lot of out of towners” over the long weekend.

“It was ridiculously busy,” owner, Erik Monteith, told the Lakes Post.

Mr Monteith said he had noticed an increase in numbers coming through the doors during the first week of the school holidays and by the weekend people were waiting to get a seat in the popular café.

Seagulls Milk Bar further down the street reported it was business as usual.

Owner, Angela Gunsser, said she survives “on the locals and tradies”.

Footbridge Camping and Disposals reported an increase in visitors calling into the shop.

A spokesperson for the business said the holidays had produced visitors to the shop and it “was a lot busier than last holidays when it was quite cold”.

Tourists were spending money, purchasing equipment in readiness for the warmer weather, including sleeping bags.

Around the corner at East End Bait and Tackle, owner, William Wolfenbuttel, reported the long weekend was “okay”.

“People are happy, they’re out and about doing things, catching a few fish, so it’s been good,” Mr Wolfenbuttel said.

“Hopefully, this is a prelude to the summer.”

Six Sisters and a Pigeon also reported it had been busier with the school holidays. Dove & Lyre and the Rad Arcade reported brisk trade.

Owner, Robert McGeary, told the Lakes Post “we’ve only been here six weeks and I’ve noticed a big difference in the amount of foot traffic”.

The business was previously located near the post office.

Mr McGeary said people had been spending in all areas.

“We have merchandise priced from $4 to $25,000 and there has been plenty of sales,” she said.

The store sells gemstones, crystals, fossils and even Roman artefacts.

The Rad Arcade has proved popular with school-aged children trying their hand at pottery, painting, sand art and beading.

Bella Vita Jewellers said the holiday traffic had made no difference.

“It’s been a terrible year in Lakes,” owner, Cherie Saunders, said.

Ms Saunders said she was hoping “things might improve for Christmas”.

She attributed the downturn to many things, including the economy and not enough local promotion.

“I don’t think people have money,” Ms Saunders said.

Peels Tourist and Ferry Service, which runs tours of the Gippsland Lakes, reported a very busy weekend with increased visitor numbers.

PICTURED: Eleven-year-old Maya Elwakil and her brother, Badr (13), from Melbourne, were holidaying in Lakes Entrance with their parents and took some time out to visit the Funkey Monkey Café on Monday. Many businesses have reported an increase in foot traffic on the streets and new faces inside their shops during the school holidays.