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ARA welcomes changes to NSW trading hours

With new NSW trading hours laws coming into effect on 1 July, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) today applauded the reforms but acknowledged the delicate balance it may create for smaller retailers.

ARA's Executive Director Richard Evans said the move to simplify trading hours for retailers is a good thing for retail business and consumers but with the extended hours comes longer days for small business owners. 

"Cleaning up red tape for retail business is an important agenda for the ARA, 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," Evans said.

"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 nationalization 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," Evans said. 

For over 104 years, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body in Australia's $292 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. As an incorporated employer body under the Workplace Relations Act and with a range of member services including business consulting, policy development, advocacy and education, the ARA promotes and protects over 5000 independent and national retailers throughout Australia. Visit www.retail.org.au or call 1300 368 041.

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