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Trading Hours Reform Top of Election Shopping List

  • September 14, 2017

The property industry is calling for reforms to WA’s outdated retail trading hours which is holding the state back and have no place in a modern 24-hour economy.

WA’s retail trading hours are some of the most restrictive in the country which has created confusion and frustration for consumers and negatively impacted retailers and businesses.

“As retailers and customers gear up for the festive trading period, it is timely to reflect on changing consumer behavior and the need for urgent reform of trading hours to support this,” Property Council WA Executive Director Lino Iacomella said.

“As Perth has grown up, it has moved away from the traditional Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm, work pattern to a new 24 hour economy. This is seeing more West Australians working flexibly.”

“The current trading hours structure is causing unnecessary angst and frustration amongst shoppers who may be struggling to fit in their shopping with their different work and life patterns.”

“In particular, the limiting of retail trading opening times on Sundays in Perth to 11am, is leading to unnecessary queuing before the 11am opening and frustrates people who want to do their shopping early on a Sunday to free up the afternoon.”

“This also impacts shopping centre owners who are looking to maximise the use of their assets and new investments. This is even more relevant when you consider the $1.3 billion retail sector investment pipeline earmarked through to 2019.”

“We encourage the next Government to take the next step in unchaining retailers to allow them to meet the changing needs of their customers. Further deregulation of trading hours will provide more opportunity for shops to compete with online retailers, greater job opportunities for workers and encourage more investment in the retail sector.”

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