The streets of Mount Gambier were flooded with shoppers last night for the inaugural Mount Gambier of Commerce Christmas Wrap Up.

The VIP shopping bonanza saw over 60 stores open from 5pm-9pm and more than 180 tickets sold which provided shoppers with special access to prizes and discounts.

The event featured a variety of activities and attractions, including a map featuring each participating business, “Drop and Shop” childcare services, wrapping stations, raffles and buskers and street performers.

Mount Gambier Chamber of Commerce board member Matt Kain said it was an all-around positive night that promoted Mount Gambier as a one stop shopping destination.

“We have certainly well and truly exceeded what our target minimums were and you can only see from just driving or walking around the place that it was certainly a bit of action around town,” he said.

“You do not even need to have come down shopping and just driven down this way for people to see something is happening.

“I have seen dozens and dozens of groups with a fistful of shopping bags.

“The few shops that I have been to have been very supportive and keen with the event and they have been really happy.

“There has been a few that I have not even gone into because they have been too busy and had too many people line up at the door.”

Mr Kain said there was plenty of entertaining things to do and value for those getting out and about.

“There were plenty of food offerings so there were plenty of reasons to come and do your shopping and still be able to put an order in before you go home,” he said.

“Even the Gambier Hotel, Jens Hotel and the Globe ran special offers later than normal.

“The individual stores were quite often doing their own raffles.”

Mr Kain said the success of the night openedthe door for similar events in the future.

“There’s plenty of scope for this to grow and we are absolutely wrapped,” he said.

“My own personal feedback that I have had from individuals is there would be support for doing this type of event as frequent as once every three or four months so potentially three or four these types of events a year.

“Congratulations to all the local retailers for all banding together to put on such a great event.”and just driven down this way for people to see something is happening.