Shop trading exemptions have been granted, to allow extending trading in the city on Saturdays during the Adelaide Fringe and Gather Round.
The Malinauskas Government, in collaboration with key stakeholders, has granted the exemptions to enhance the festival experience and cater to the influx of visitors during these major events.
In a bid to make the 2024 Adelaide Fringe season even more memorable, shops in the Central Business District will have the opportunity to extend their trading hours until 6pm on select Saturdays. Shoppers and festival-goers can mark their calendars for the 17th and 24th of February, as well as the 2nd, 9th, and 16th of March 2023. This extension comes on the heels of a highly successful trial last year, which saw a remarkable surge in foot traffic, particularly in Rundle Mall.
During the 2023 Adelaide Fringe festival, foot traffic in Rundle Mall experienced an average increase of 101% compared to the previous year when shops closed at 5pm. Overall, festival season foot traffic showed an impressive 18% year-on-year growth from 2022 to 2023, according to the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.
The festivities don’t end with the Adelaide Fringe. Gather Round, now in its second year, will also witness an extension of shop trading hours in the CBD. On the 6th of April, businesses will be able to operate until 7pm, providing ample opportunities for festival attendees to explore the city’s vibrant shopping scene.
These significant trading hour exemptions were granted following consultations with the Adelaide Economic Development Agency and the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association. The aim is to create a win-win situation, where businesses can capitalize on the surge in tourism during the Adelaide Fringe (17th February to 19th March), Adelaide Festival (3rd March to 19th March), and WOMADelaide (10th March to 13th March), while festival-goers have the convenience of extended shopping hours.
These extensions build upon the government’s shop trading reforms implemented in 2022 through the Shop Trading Hours (Extension of Hours) Amendment Act 2022. This legislation has not only ensured midnight trading on Black Friday each year but has also secured three weekdays of midnight trading leading up to Christmas. Additionally, most stores across metropolitan Adelaide can now open from 9 am to 5pm on Boxing Day without requiring a trading exemption.
It’s important to note that workers cannot be compelled to work these extended hours unless they voluntarily agree, ensuring that employee rights and well-being are respected.
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