We are fast approaching one of the busiest and most rewarding times of the year.
This week, we’ve seen a landmark law passed in New South Wales, with the NSW Government allowing regional businesses to open their doors on Boxing Day, just in time for this year’s Christmas season.
The NRA strongly supported the Government’s changes, including by providing media support and through correspondence with the other parties and cross bench members.
The new legislation will mean many NSW retailers will no longer be at an unfair disadvantage to their nearby counterparts. For the first time, local retailers around all Sydney suburbs and all regional areas will see cash running through their tills on one of the most important days in the retail calendar.
This new legislation will benefit retailers and shoppers alike, with shoppers no longer having to scour for open shop doors, travel into the Sydney CBD or to a holiday area to snap up a post-Christmas bargain.
Under previous laws, Boxing Day was a restricted shop trading day in NSW, meaning only exempt stores or those within certain local government areas or within the Sydney Trading Precinct were allowed to operate.
The new legislation is all about ensuring there is a simplified and consistent set of trading hour zones across the state around Boxing Day, where there has previously been a number of disjointed, confusing and very complex trading hour zones. We applaud the NSW Government for jumping on board with the other states and territories, and introducing a law that is fair and consistent for both retailers and consumers.
Of course, it’s important to remember that it’s completely optional for retailers to open their doors – no one is being forced to. Likewise, employees in those areas should not be made to work if they don’t want to.
If you need any advice about trading hours or rostering over the Christmas period, including recent changes in NSW, SA & QLD, the NRA’s fact sheets are available for members or you can call our advice team on 1800 RETAIL.
We know the festive season brings its share of challenges, so if you have any questions about employing new staff, rostering or anything workplace-related, let the NRA Legal team do the heavy lifting for you. Our team members are experts in employee relations and will make sure this season isn’t filled with frustrations, but is rewarding for your business.
Don’t forget, we’ve also got an information portal online, with some handy tips on preparing for the Christmas season, recruiting for the holiday period, and how to use your increased customer activity to grow your loyalty program.
Have a great week,
Trevor
P.S. Remember to have a read of the rest of this week’s Week In Review here.