If the cost-of-living crisis is biting households across the Illawarra, there's one local business where the festive spirit – and spending – is completely undiminished. Albion Park Village Meats is experiencing a bumper Christmas season, with demand for hams and roasts surpassing even last year's strong sales.
Festive Frenzy at the Butcher's Counter
Inside the bustling shop, a team of eight butchers and three serving staff, dressed in Christmas shirts and Santa hats, can barely keep up with orders. Owner Glenn Stewart reported being glued to the phone, fielding constant calls from customers eager to secure their holiday centrepieces.
Stewart admitted he had concerns leading into the festive period given widespread economic pressures, but those worries were quickly dispelled. Orders began flooding in about six weeks ago and remained solid right through to Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
"We're still ordering - it's as strong as normal," Stewart said. "You'd think with the economic [difficulties] everybody might cut down a bit - but they're spending on their Christmas."
Sales Figures Tell a Story of Prioritised Tradition
The data backs up the anecdotal evidence of a busy shop. Stewart revealed that sales of roasts are up by approximately 25 per cent compared to the previous year. This surge isn't limited to ham; demand for turkeys, pork loin rolls, and seafood has also been described as "extraordinary."
This trend highlights a clear community priority. "People find the money for Christmas," Stewart observed, suggesting that even when household budgets are tight, the tradition of a family feast remains non-negotiable for many in the region.
Loyalty Spans Generations and Geography
While new housing developments in Calderwood and Tullimbar are bringing fresh customers to the area, Stewart emphasises that his business is built on a foundation of deep-rooted loyalty. Some patrons travel significant distances, maintaining traditions that span decades.
He shared a poignant example: one customer travels annually from Thirroul. Her family's connection to the butcher shop began with her mother, who shopped at Stewart's original store in Warrawong 35 years ago. Even after her mother's passing, the tradition continues.
"Their mother's passed, but they still come down once a year - and that's what she said to me: 'see you next year, Glenn'," Stewart recounted. The business itself traces its roots back 43 years to its inception in Warrawong, creating a multi-generational legacy for many local families.
The scene at Albion Park Village Meats serves as a vibrant microcosm of the Illawarra's Christmas spirit. It demonstrates that despite financial headwinds, the community's commitment to gathering, celebrating, and enjoying quality local produce during the holidays remains unshakably strong.
