UPDATE: A new survey reveals that a significant majority of West Australians are calling for extended shopping hours, particularly on Sundays. The recent poll, conducted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, shows that 57% of respondents support longer shopping hours, with 65% specifically favoring Sunday trading.
Currently, Sunday shopping in Perth is restricted to 11am to 5pm, a limitation that many believe is outdated. The survey, which sampled 982 households, indicates a growing demand for change, reigniting discussions about Perth’s shopping laws.
Aaron Morey, Chief Economist at CCIWA, stated, “Perth is the only city in Australia where you see people queuing outside a supermarket at 10:50am on a Sunday morning, waiting for the doors to open.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend, with support for Sunday trading rising from 59% to 65% since December 2023.
In Perth, trading hours set by the State Government currently allow shops to operate from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 8am to 5pm on Saturdays. However, unique regulations permit specialty stores such as Bunnings to open from 6am to 11pm, albeit with restrictions on what they can sell.
Calls for change have been consistent since the Labor Party took power in 2017. Business leaders and shoppers alike have urged for a modern approach to trading hours. The WA Liberals proposed a 9am opening time for Sundays during the last election, while the WA Nationals have advocated for full deregulation.
Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas has echoed these demands, emphasizing the necessity for modern trading hours to match the needs of today’s consumers. Rob Scott, CEO of Wesfarmers, has also publicly pushed for a review of the current shopping hours, highlighting the disparity between online shopping and local retail restrictions.
Despite these pressures, former Labor Premier Mark McGowan and current Premier Roger Cook remain opposed to extending trading hours. Cook has argued that those advocating for longer hours are “fundamentally anti-small business,” insisting that the real issue is a demand problem, not a supply problem.
However, Morey argues that allowing Sunday trading from 8am would significantly increase foot traffic, benefiting smaller businesses. “Amazon doesn’t wait until 11am on a Sunday to open,” he pointed out. He believes that extended hours would also create more opportunities for casual workers, particularly students, who currently can only secure limited work hours on Sundays.
This urgent call for action highlights a crucial conversation about the future of retail in Perth. With the survey results in hand, the pressure is mounting on state officials to reconsider the current regulations and adapt to the evolving shopping landscape.
As the situation develops, consumers and business advocates alike will be watching closely for any shifts in policy regarding Sunday trading hours in WA.
