South Australian retailers have experienced a significant boost in business over the past year, credited to the introduction of 9am Sunday opening hours and the permanent allowance of Boxing Day trading. These reforms, part of the Malinauskas Government’s key election commitments, have had a positive impact on the retail landscape in Adelaide and its suburbs.
One year after the introduction of 9am Sunday opening, retailers like Pasadena Foodland are reporting impressive results. Sales have surged by more than 15 percent, with a corresponding increase in transactions. This shift has breathed new life into the retail sector, allowing independent supermarkets to compete more effectively against their larger counterparts.
In addition to the 9am Sunday opening, the government has also announced midnight trading on select weekdays in the lead-up to Christmas. Adelaide shops will have the option to stay open until midnight on Black Friday (24 November), as well as the 14th, 21st, and 22nd of December. These amendments to shop trading hours legislation aim to accommodate the high demand during the festive season.
It’s important to note that businesses still have the freedom to decide whether to open later than 9am or not at all on Sundays and Boxing Day. Similarly, workers maintain the right to refuse work on Sundays and public holidays.
Before these reforms, shops in Adelaide could only open on Sundays from 11am to 5pm, with Boxing Day trading limited to the Adelaide CBD. The rest of regional South Australia had deregulated trading hours, granting businesses the freedom to set their own schedules. Shoppers can easily check trading hours for all retailers in South Australia on SafeWork SA’s Retail trading hours page.
Kyam Maher MLC, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector, said “The changes to shop trading legislation have simplified the rules and reduced red tape for traders and shoppers alike.”
Nadia Clancy, Member for Elder, highlighted the positive impact on the community. She said “The community has really embraced the earlier opening times on Sundays – it’s been great for the supermarket sales which is great for local employment.
“These rules were designed as a compromise between large and small businesses, and I’m pleased it’s been done in a way that supports workers.”
Franklin dos Santos, CEO of Foodland Supermarkets, praised the changes, saying “This balanced approach to shop trading hours supports our modern communities and assist small business and its supply chain to continue and grow employment across South Australia.
| 2023 Festive Season shopping hours Central Business District (CBD) Tourist Precinct: Friday 24 November (Black Friday): until midnight Thursday 14 December: until midnight Thursday 21 December: until midnight Friday 22 December: until midnight Monday 25 December (Christmas Day): Closed Tuesday 26 December (Boxing Day): 9am to 5pm Monday 1 January (New Year’s Day): 11am to 5pm Metropolitan Shopping District: Friday 24 November (Black Friday): until midnight Thursday 14 December: until midnight Thursday 21 December: until midnight Friday 22 December: until midnight Monday 25 December (Christmas Day): Closed Tuesday 26 December (Boxing Day): 9am to 5pm Monday 1 January (New Year’s Day): Closed |
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