Pru Goward/John Barilaro med rel: SHOPPERS TO STRESS LESS WITH EXTENDED CHRISTMAS TRADING HOURS

Minister for Planning Pru Goward and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said the NSW Government is taking some of the stress out of Christmas by extending shopping hours to help give local retailers a boost during this vital shopping season.

Ms Goward said Christmas has come early for retailers and busy families alike, as existing shops in business zones will be allowed to open 24-hours-a-day in the two weeks before Christmas, without requiring specific planning approval for additional trading hours.

“Shops located in eligible areas now have the choice to extend their operating hours close to Christmas,” Ms Goward said.

“The NSW Government is taking the stress out of Christmas shopping and giving retailers a boost during this very important season.

“A first for NSW, this is a great opportunity for retailers and local shopping centres to offer flexibility for their customers by extending their trading hours during this busy time of year.

“Time-deprived mums and dads will benefit from any late night or early morning trading hours on offer allowing them to bypass the once inescapable pre-Christmas shopping queues.

“It also makes organising Christmas easier for shift-workers or those with limited work-hour flexibility as they won’t now have to use their lunch breaks to grab that last-minute gift.”

Christmas retail spending projections for NSW consumers is expected to hit $10.559 billion this year, according to the Australian National Retailers’ Association.

Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said these changes were a common sense approach for small business operators during this peak trading season.

“This provides an exciting opportunity for small businesses to take advantage of the busy trading season,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The extended trading period gives small businesses greater flexibility and makes shopping easier.”

Christmas trading hours will officially commence on Thursday, December 11.

Shops must still comply with their other existing conditions of consent including delivery times and vehicle access.