Fears predicted slow Christmas trade could see businesses forced to close

East End Surf and Skate owner Aidan Essex-Plath said the trend toward online shopping had dramatically impacted sales in his brick-and-mortar store.

A predicted downturn in Christmas trade has the business community concerned a slow holiday season could be the final straw that forces some local shops to permanently close their doors.

Newcastle and Lake Macquarie businesses are expected to see a 12 per cent drop in trade, which doubles to 24 per cent in the Hunter Valley, according to the latest state-wide Business Conditions Survey.