Change to NSW trading hours 3:51pm 31.06.08

New retailer trading laws will come into effect in NSW on July 1, but they’re likely to create a balancing act for SMEs.

“Cleaning up red tape for retail business is an important agenda for the ARA (Australian Retailers Association), and having open seven day a week trading options for retailers is welcomed. But with the easing of restrictions, there is also the need to acknowledge the balance required for smaller retailers in terms of attracting more trade to ensure increased profitability and the need to work longer hours,” says Richard Evans, executive director of the ARA. “However, we are confident that any initial market concerns from smaller traders will be overcome. The changes will be better for retail business and consumers as confusion and frustration around legal opening times will be removed.

“We all live in a 24/7 economy with the requirement and expectation of flexible trading hours and convenient access to products and services. In fact, we would like to see a nationalisation of trading hours. In this time of difficult trading for retailers, any move from the government to ease restrictions and remove red tape is a good thing.”