Retailers today said it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas after the New South Wales State Government announced dates and targets to lift restrictions across the state.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb applauded the State Government’s decision to allow retailers to open their doors to everyone from December 1.
Those who have been fully vaccinated in NSW will be the first to taste retail freedom after the Government announced that retailers can open their doors to those who have been fully vaccinated once the state reaches an 80 per cent vaccination rate.
Retailers can operate at one person per 4 sqm once the state reaches an 80 per cent vaccination rate. From December 1, retailers move to caps of one person per 2 sqm but there will be no restrictions placed on people who have not been vaccinated.
“Retailers are incredibly grateful for how the people of New South Wales have responded to the call to arms to get vaccinated,’’ Ms Lamb. “It’s now looking likely that the vast majority of the population will be able to enjoy in-store service once again by the end of October but even earlier would be even better.
“It’s so important that Australia’s largest state opens for business as soon as possible in time for Christmas trading.”
Ms Lamb said an October opening should ring in the cash registers for retail, with pent-up demand likely to surpass last year’s Christmas trading period.
“The 2020 Christmas period was worth more than $17 billion to New South Wales retail. The importance of the festive season to our members cannot be overstated,” Ms Lamb said.
During Christmas trading last year, from the second half of November and all of December, New South Wales retail recorded $17.4 billion in sales.
“In the meantime, we urge all Australians yet to be fully vaccinated to make every effort to do so,’’ Ms Lamb said.