The Retail Traders' Association's first survey since the partial deregulation of retail trading hours in Western Australia has shown retailers are positive about the changes.
RTA director Wayne Spencer said the growth was being experienced across the industry with some retailers reporting they had experienced a 95 per cent growth in sales since being allowed to trade on weeknights 5 weeks ago.
The more successful shopping centres and retailers are reportedly in the outer metro areas; Mr Spencer said areas like Brighton where there is a heavy British expat population have been reporting great success.
Mr Spencer said that up to 80 per cent of shopping centres were surveyed, with up to 400 retailers within that percentile taking part in the survey, which was conducted after two weeks of the trading hours were deregulated.
He estimates that up to 200 retailers were opening on weeknights, while up to 200,000 people within the Perth metro area have been utilising the new hours.
Mr Spencer recognised that the survey could potentially be skewed by the season, being so close to Christmas, but said he hopes the number of retailers utilising the new opening allowances would increase after the Christmas period.
"We are encouraged by what little time has passed. It is a case of moving on and keep spreading the word," he said.
"This will take a bit of time, you have had 30 years of not having these changes. It is going to take 30-60 days for someone to change a habit."
Mr Spencer said while large supermarkets and chains have dominated the retailers taking the opportunity to open so far, he is confident smaller businesses are scoping the opportunities and will start to trade on weeknights in the new year.
"These figures are important to help small business understand that there are potential customers out there who are spending," he said.
Mr Spencer said the growth in dollars spent in the special trading precincts of Joondalup, Midland, Armadale, Perth and Fremantle (which have all been totally deregulated allowing them to trade on weeknights, Sundays and public holidays) has been large.
Some retailers within Joondalup, Midland and Armadale have experience 100 per cent growth in sales by trading on weeknights and Sundays.
