Thursday 4 November 2021
Australia's largest peak retail body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), has welcomed the shop trading hour exemptions announced by the South Australian Government, which will allow businesses to further increase their trading potential over the Christmas shopping period.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra said whilst there is a need for further reform of South Australia's trading hours regime, the exemptions announced today will ensure the state's retail businesses and their customers don't miss out on the expected surge in sales over the festive season.
"Christmas is the most critical time of year on the retail calendar, when most discretionary stores like those in fashion and accessories, make up to two-thirds of their profits," Mr Zahra said.
"We congratulate the South Australian Government for the exemptions they've announced today, but there's still a long way to go to deliver long-lasting reform in this area.
"Shops need flexibility to open when customers want to shop - in the morning on weekends, in the evening during the week and on public holidays. We currently have outdated trading hour restrictions in South Australia that are not reflective of modern-day consumer trends, but these exemptions are a step in the right direction.
"South Australians are forecast to spend $3.6 billion in the pre-Christmas sales period, which is up 5.5% on pre-pandemic conditions in 2019. With the exemptions announced today, South Australian businesses can look forward to an even bright Christmas trading period."
