It has been a “mixed bag” for Ballina businesses during the winter school holidays.

According to Ballina Chamber of Commerce president and Hartleys Fresh Market owner, Joeline Hartley, the wet weather forced visitors indoors.

Ms Hartley said trading throughout the holiday period had been unpredictable, with many retailers experiencing unexpected peaks and lulls despite an influx of visitors to the region.

“It has been a mixed bag,” she said.

“The rain obviously brings people into shopping centres but sometime it has been quiet when we thought it should be busy and busy when we thought it should be quiet.”

While weather played a role, Ms Hartley believes broader economic concerns are also influencing spending habits.

“This is my personal opinion, but I think confidence in the economy is declining and with things like the tax cuts, tax breaks and changes to negative gearing, people are running a bit scared and people are out there looking for a bargain,” she said.

She said businesses were also feeling the effects of the loss of major festivals such as Splendour in the Grass and Bluesfest, with a noticeable decline in backpackers visiting the region.

“We used to see them fly into the airport with their little bags and then going to the supermarkets to stock up and we are just not seeing that as much,” she said.

Rising operating costs continue to add pressure to local businesses, she said, with increases in rent, electricity prices and interest rates making it harder for many operators to remain profitable.

“The costs of doing business are getting too much for some,” she said.

Despite the challenges, Ms Hartley said Ballina’s business community remained resilient and hoped continued collaboration between local businesses and council would help strengthen visitation and spending in the months ahead.

Photo: The spate of wet weather during the school holidays forced many people indoors.