Statement by CCI Chief Executive James Pearson
New independent polling shows that a record number of people in Perth want to be able to shop on Sundays and weeknights.
A recent survey commissioned by the State’s most representative business organisation, CCI, reveals support for extended trading hours across Perth is on the rise, placing more pressure on politicians to deal with this issue once and for all.
The survey, undertaken earlier this month, shows that more than two-thirds of Western Australians want late night shopping Monday to Friday and Sunday trading.
The number of people wanting to shop on a Sunday has reached 68 per cent. That’s up from 63 per cent last year, and has increased by 13 per cent over the past three years.
Support for weeknight trading has hit 67 per cent. That’s increased from 60 per cent last year, and has risen by 10 per cent over the past three years.
The strongest support for change is among people up to the age of 35 with more than 80 per cent wanting late night and Sunday trading.
The introduction of expanded tourism precincts is already proving popular with 41 per cent of those surveyed saying they had already taken advantage of Sunday trading periods. More than three quarters of them had bought food and groceries, 56 per cent shopped for clothes, one quarter looked for household electrical goods and 14 per cent shopped for furniture.
The results prove that Perth people want choice and convenience.
WA’s retail trading laws are a relic from the past and haven’t kept pace with our increasingly busy lifestyles.
The current system is also unfair to retailers because it’s anti-competitive. Some stores are allowed to open but the majority can’t.
WA’s politicians have only recently agreed to allow people in Perth to shop on weeknights. It’s time they accepted the evidence that they want to be able to shop on Sundays as well.
CCI urges the State’s Liberal and Labor politicians to do what’s fair and right for business and shoppers. They should give the people of Perth the choice to buy what they want, when they want.
Media contact: Allison Hembrough 9365 7727 0417 484 901