What's selling in Traralgon, VIC

Situated in the Latrobe Valley and the largest commercial centre in Gippsland, Traralgon is 162 kilometres south east of Melbourne. Home to the Loy Yang Power Complex, which generates most of Victoria's power, the open cut coal mine and two power plants with their 260-metre chimneys constitute the largest power complex in Australia. Located six kilometres from the town, the power plant supplies approximately 40 per cent of Victoria's electricity.
Traralgon is also Victoria's major centre for the paper making industry due to the thick forests which cover the Strzelecki Ranges to the north of the town; But despite the industrialisation, Traralgon has maintained its rural attraction.
Offering wide tree-lined streets and attractive gardens, the local riverways and lakes provide great fishing.
Russell Davidson, owner of Les Davidson Menswear says Traralgon is a prime location for attracting tourists.
"Traralgon is a thriving area, everything is favorable in terms of locality. We're in the main path of the snowfields which is only 30 minutes drive from here. It's also only 30 minutes drive to the ocean and one and a half hours to Melbourne, so we get quite a number of tourists. It is also on the way to the Lakes Entrance, which is noted as the largest inland waterway."
Traralgon is also experiencing growth in housing development which is attracting more people into the town, thus boosting the local population.
"There are currently seven housing estates that are under development," adds Davidson.
"There has been a big boom in housing over the last five years. The population has jumped to approximately 30,000 from ????."
Traralgon is a service centre to many of the neighboring towns, offering not only a large selection of retail outlets but facilities such as doctors, a hospital and cancer care centre.
"Traralgon is well laid out and easily accessible. There is a wide variety of stores in the town so people tend to stay in Traralgon to shop," adds Davidson.
Les Davidson Menswear stocks casual and after five apparel and has been trading in the town for 58 years. Top selling brands include Tarocash, Calvin Klein, Trent Nathan and Van Heusen. Accessories such as shoes, cufflinks, wallets and belts are also available.
Scott Connolly, owner of women's boutique Attitude Zone says Traralgon has all the main amenities of a major city whilst still retaining the country charm.
"Traralgon is a fairly forward moving country city. It has a population of between 20 to 30 thousand people but services an area of approximately 100 thousand people."
Connolly also says that Traralgon is the main shopping precinct in the area and with a lot of support for local businesses.
"In terms of the retail industry, the majority of independent stores line Seymour Street and Franklin Street, whereas the chain stores tend to congregate in the Traralgon Plaza shopping centre."
Attitude Zone stocks primarily dress wear for women aged 18 and 60. Popular labels include Lisa Ho, George and Backstage. Shoes, bracelets and necklaces are also available along with a small selection of menswear.



LOCATION: 162km south east of Melbourne
POPULATION: Approximately 30,000
STORES: Les Davidson Menswear and Attitude Zone
BRANDS: Tarocash, Calvin Klein, Trent Nathan, Van Heusen, Liso Ho, George and Backstage