More than 28,000 shoppers braved heavy rain to snare a bargain in central Geelong’s biggest annual shopping event on Tuesday, council has estimated.
About 220 businesses joined in the Central Geelong Sidewalk Sales, offering bargains galore, as crowds rode mechanical horses, tested their footy skills and listed to local music.
The big band sound of the Sweethearts filled Little Malop St Mall, while a pamper marquee provided mini manicures and hair touch ups for shoppers.
Event ambassador and Geelong AFLW player Anna Teague helped young Cats fans with their hand-balling and a fashion parade filled the streets with colour.
Hungry shoppers dined on culinary treats with international food stalls dotting the sidewalks.
Both major malls reported full carparks several times throughout the day and large crowds from 9am for the Central Geelong Sidewalk Sales.
Central Geelong Marketing executive officer Jodie Reyntjes welcomed the result, especially given the heavy rain.
“The sidewalk sales are a tradition in central Geelong and with so many participating businesses and shoppers, it truly is central Geelong’s shopping festival,” she said.
About 14 per cent of shoppers came from outside Geelong according to Central Geelong Marketing street surveys, up on 11 per cent in 2017.
Shoppers travelled from Werribee, Melbourne and regional Victoria to enjoy the festivities and hunt a bargain.
