Warrnambool retail outlets hit hard by scaled back May Racing Carnival

The Style 105 owner said the loss in trade to her business had been significant.

"For the fashion houses losing the May Races is pretty significant," Mrs Arnott said.

"It's such a big event for Warrnambool and this week we get visitors coming in to shop.

"May Races is even bigger than Christmas for me."

Mrs Arnott said she was concerned about the retail industry's future, with some of the lines she stocks announcing they wiould not release a summer line due to the impacts of coronavirus.

"I don't think we will see the real affects of this for the next 12 months," she said.

"I do also think the government has tried to help as much as they can and my customers have been really good."

Pitstop Menswear owner Lea Watson said the coronavirus pandemic was the biggest challenge her business had experienced in more than three decades.

"May Races is usually like a Christmas week for us," Mrs Watson said.

"We usually start work at 8.30am and finish at 7pm each night.

"It's usually busy right up until Thursday morning."

Mrs Watson said the business had previously been impacted by the Liebig Street redevelopment and was just starting to get back on its feet.

"We had a downturn in business during the streetscape upgrade and we were just starting to feel a bit more comfortable and then this happened," she said.

However Mrs Watson said she remained positive about the future.

She said customers had been very supportive during the trying time.

"The support from the local community has been amazing," she said.

"I make sure to thank every one for their support when they make a purchase."

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