The National Retail Association (NRA) expects tens of thousands of shoppers – particularly those stressing about finishing the Christmas shopping in time – to make like Dasher tonight and head out to Westfield’s Chermside and Garden City stores, which are both opening up to shoppers for a marathon 33.5 hour trading period.
National Retail Association CEO Trevor Evans said the extended hours meant that those who’ve been too busy, or those who’ve just procrastinated a little too long, needn’t worry.
“Christmas is a critical time of year for retailers, but it’s also an incredibly busy time of year for households, so opening additional hours just prior to Christmas allows more people to get their Christmas plans organised,” Mr Evans said.
“Plus, there’s nothing worse than suddenly realising you’re out of time or have forgotten someone, so being able to make one last dash to the shops when they’d usually be closed gives consumers just that little bit more leeway before Christmas day,” he said.
With just a day and half until Santa arrives, the deadline for online purchases has long since passed, so Westfield’s retail staff say they’re looking forward to a bit of instore ‘midnight madness’.
“Extra opening hours at this time of year are always a welcome boost for employees, particularly workers like uni students who like to pick up as many shifts as they can over the holiday period.
“The younger staff members in particular have said they’re planning on having quite a bit of fun tonight, and will be making the most of having customers through the doors when the centres would usually be deserted,” he said.
Westfield Chermside Centre Manager Garth Haslam said Westfield Garden City and Westfield Chermside were the only shopping destinations in Queensland to offer ‘Non-Stop-Shop’ – the annual 33.5 hour shop-a-thon – just before Christmas.
“We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of shoppers, taking advantage of longer hours to visit their favourite retailers at a time that suits them,” Mr Haslam said.
Westfield’s Chermside and Garden City stores will kick off their marathon trading hours events at 08AM on December 23, and won’t close until 5.30PM on Christmas Eve.
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The NRA is Australia’s largest and most diverse retail industry organisation, and has been representing the interests of the retail, fast food and broader service sector for almost 100 years. Its membership comprises more than 19,000 stores and outlets and covers all the categories of retail, including fashion, groceries, homewares, hardwares, fast food and services. Its membership ranges from the smallest corner stores to Australia’s largest retail chains, department stores and franchise groups.
Trevor Evans is available for interviews at Westfield Chermside. Mr Evans is also available to comment on other retail issues. Please phone the NRA’s media unit on 07 3240 0163, or 0467 792 013/0447 755 893