Reindeers, Santa Claus, tinsel and gold decorations now dress the windows of many Highlands stores.

Yes, it’s that time of year again.

As the hectic Christmas season dawns, local retailers have offered mixed responses to trading in the lead up to Christmas Day.

The popular Toyworld in Bowral said they have been going ‘very well’, with consistent customers and an improvement in comparison to the same time last year and Target Country also noted strong sales.

Browns Bookshop on the other hand said trade had been a little slow since the introduction of the GST, but is anticipating a busier period over the next month.

Local Chamber of Commerce President Helen Chadwick said it was premature to offer a reasonable judgment on local business at this stage.

“Some businesses have been doing extremely well but others I have spoken to said it has been quiet and expect to pick up around Christmas,” she said.

Mrs Chadwick also said it is important for local retailers to generate some awareness of Christmas.

“It’s up to the individual shops to make them more attractive with bargains , advertising and dressing up the shop windows.

“Enthusiasm has to come from local business houses.”

The Highlands it seems is becoming much more competitive with the bigger shopping centres at Macarthur and the South Coast, as Browns Bookshop Manager Nancy Shearer said several shops have increased opening hours.

“There are definitely more shops opening for longer hours,” she said.

Mrs Chadwick also said shopping out of the area offered ‘minimal difference’ and encouraged people to keep local business healthy.

“I actually believe it’s a perception only - if they really did their sums, they wouldn’t come out too far ahead,” she said.

“People really need to think about what they are doing. Buying locally is helping employment and is spreading the money around.”

Regardless of the competition between the Highlands and other areas, Mrs Chadwick said business would inevitably grow in the next few weeks.

“The momentum will grow when December hits,” she added.