Jury out on extended trading

by Vanessa Williams

April 10, 2008

WHILE the spectre of extended trading hours in WA has been welcomed by the Retailer Traders Association, independent businesses fear the proposal will drive them to extinction.

“Deregulation in WA would benefit every aspect of the retail industry, particularly in tourism,” RTA manager Wayne Spencer said. “However, consumer demands can’t be met on the current legislation of regulated trading hours.”

Mr Spencer added retail workers would have more flexibility of working hours.

 “This will not only benefit retail workers and their families, but also consumers by providing more flexible opening hours,” he said.

Although sandgropers in a recent referendum resoundingly rejected extended trading hours, premier Alan Carpenter has said he’ll go to next year’s WA election on a pro-extended hours platform.

The National Independent Retailers Association said WA voters would be let down by this.

“Smaller businesses will be placed under more pressure in an attempt to compete against major retailers,” NIRA spokesman John Brownsea said, “and the impact on retail workers and their families has not even been considered in this case.”

Vince Collica who manages the David Jones cafe at Garden City in Booragoon, said Perth does not have the necessary population for any extended late night, or Sunday, trading.

 “I’ve worked in hospitality and retail for over 20 years now,” he said, “and I have seen how quiet extended trading has been over the Christmas period.