06 November 2023
South Australian retailers are reporting significant increases in trade since the State Government introduced 9am Sunday opening 12 months ago.
The reforms enabled shops across Adelaide to open at 9am on Sundays and to permanently allow Boxing Day trading in the city and suburbs, with the exception of larger supermarkets.
Pasadena Foodland is reporting sales are up more than 15 per cent, and that transactions are up about the same, since 9am Sunday opening was introduced last year.
The changes have struck a balance between the interests of large and small business, workers and consumers, and have allowed our thriving independent supermarket sector to compete against the bigger market players.
The State Government has also announced three weekdays of midnight trading to finalise the schedule for this year’s busy Christmas trading period.
Shops across Adelaide will be able to open until midnight on 14, 21 and 22 December in the lead up to Christmas following amendments to shop trading hours legislation.
Businesses can still choose to open later than 9am or not at all on Sundays and Boxing Day if they wish. Workers can also refuse to work on Sundays and public holidays.
Previously, shops across Adelaide opened on Sundays from 11am to 5pm. Only shops in the Adelaide CBD could open on Boxing Day, trading from 11am to 5pm.
The rest of regional SA is deregulated and shops can trade whenever they choose. Visit SafeWork SA’s Retail trading hours page to see trading hours for all retailers in South Australia.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector Kyam Maher the changes to shop trading legislation have simplified the rules and reduced red tape for traders and shoppers alike.
'As we head into another busy Christmas trading period, we have now proven that we can balance the needs of shoppers and retailers to increase flexibility and certainty around festive season trading hours,' he said.
'Our reforms protect important time off for workers, while also allowing greater flexibility for shoppers. One year on, it is clear that these reforms have been a success.'
Foodland Supermarkets CEO Franklin dos Santo said the balanced approach 'supports our modern communities and assist small business and its supply chain to continue to grow employment across South Australia'.