More time to shop this Christmas

Perth’s shoppers will enjoy the same extended shopping hours as last year to buy presents and hunt for bargains, but employers want longer hours all year round.

The longer opening times start on Tuesday December 5 and will last until New Year’s Day.

On Sundays, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, shops will be able to trade for 10 hours from 8am to 6pm instead of the normal six hours from 11am to 5pm.

Shops will be able to open one hour earlier on weekdays, at 7am.

On Saturdays, shops can trade from 7am to 6pm, with an extra hour added at the beginning and end of the day.

Commerce and Industrial Relations Minister Bill Johnston also approved extended trading hours for Australia Day, from 8am to 6pm.

Mr Johnston said the government supported local businesses and workers, which was why some of the restrictions would allow staff to take time off and enjoy the Christmas festivities.

“I urge all Western Australians to support our community and protect local jobs by buying your Christmas presents from local retailers who need your business,” he said.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Western Australia chief executive Deidre Willmott welcomed the announcement, but said WA still had the most restrictive retail trading hours in the country.

“WA’s regulations are also simply ridiculous. They restrict what shops can sell at certain times and what products different types of shops can sell. For example, the regulations allow some shops to sell light bulbs but not light fittings or outdoor lighting but not indoor lighting,” Ms Willmott said.

“CCI encourages the state government to continue to review WA’s retail trade regulations and, at the very least, bring us in line with the rest of the country."