Tweed businesses working hard this busy Christmas period

TWEED businesses are more likely to slog it out and put in more hours over Christmas when compared to Sydney counterparts.

Toni Zuschke said businesses needed the Christmas trade. Picture: Crystal Spencer

TWEED businesses are more likely to slog it out and put in more hours over Christmas when compared to Sydney counterparts.

Up to 70% of regional NSW will stay open during Christmas, or shorten their holidays to try and capitalize on extra customers.

More than one in three Aussie's will not have a break at all and will stay open despite Santa sliding his way down chimneys nationwide.

Murwillumbah Business Chamber president Toni Zuschke runs her own small business Barking Toad Creative Multi Media and said people were working harder over Christmas because it was in their own interest to do so.

"The tourist industry grows over Christmas and it relies on shops being open," she said.

Mrs Zuschke said that it was essential to extend hours at this time of year with 80% of small businesses in the region self employed.

"Those who will put in the time will be rewarded," she said.

"It's a different demographic to target."

Mrs Zuschke said that business would continue as usual at the Barking Toad over Christmas.

Jerome Merron is the owner of Prima Hairdressing in Centro Tweed Shopping Centre and he reckons working Christmas is overrated and often pointless where his industry is concerned.

"I think everyone is working too much, and not just at Christmas," he said.

"Money doesn't necessarily bring happiness or gains."

But Mr Merron did see some benefits in working overtime.

"We only do the normal trading hours, unless we're making someone feel good."

"It's great to have someone walk in a little raggedy and have them walk out feeling a million dollars."