Dear John Richardson, I read your letter expressing your disappointment that so many of the gorgeous shops in Millthorpe were closed on Wednesday, December 30.

I can imagine how upsetting this was for you, particularly as you have visited regularly for a day of shopping for the past 10 years.

I am a newer retailer to Millthorpe who was open on Sunday and Monday post Boxing Day and again on Thursday, December 31. I was open last year too around these similar days.

I don't know if I missed you last year and I'm sorry you missed my little shop this past Christmas.

I was spending quiet, relaxed time with my family following what has been for us all a very disrupted and stressful year.

As you were able to get away over Christmas for relaxation, we chose to stay and celebrate locally with the shop shut on a few days.

Millthorpe is definitely open for business.

You can be sure that a majority of businesses are open each and every weekend.

In addition, most cafes and shops open Thursdays to Mondays, with some, Millthorpe Blue and Millthorpe Providore, open seven days a week.

Please come back and visit. Millthorpe is worth it.