The National Retail Association (NRA) has today welcomed the decision of the NSW Government to allow NSW businesses to open their doors on Boxing Day.
NRA NSW State Director Michael Lonie said regional retailers will no longer be at an unfair disadvantage to their city counterparts.
“For the first time, local retailers around all Sydney’s suburbs and all regional areas will, this year, see cash running through their tills on one of the most important days in the retail calendar,” Mr Lonie said.
“This new legislation benefits retailers and shoppers alike, with shoppers no longer having to scour for open shop doors, travel into the Sydney CBD or to a holiday area to grab a post-Christmas bargain.”
Under previous laws, Boxing Day was a restricted shop trading day in NSW, meaning only exempt stores or those within certain local government areas or within the Sydney Trading Precinct were allowed to operate.
“These new laws are all about creating a simplified and consistent set of trading hour zones around Boxing Day, where there has previously been a number of different, confusing and very complex trading hour zones,” he said.
“Of course, it’s optional for retailers to open their doors, and employees in those areas will not be forced to work if they don’t want to.
“We applaud the NSW Government on introducing law that is fair and consistent for both retailers and consumers.”
The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and the broader service sector for almost 100 years.
NRA NSW State Director Michael Lonie is available for interviews. Contact the NRA’s media unit on (07) 3221 9222