Woolworths and Coles asking for retail trading hours deregulation

Published: May 27th, 2014

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Supermarket giants, Coles and Woolworths, have asked federal government to deregulate retail trading hours, stating bizarre rules which dictate the trading hours of stores.

Woolworths stated that different regulations existed in different states, including petrol stations in Western Australia which are allowed to remain open all day, with limits only of the sale of certain goods at certain times of day. It also submitted that trading hours are deregulated north of the 26th parallel of south latitude, while south of the line it is not, The Guardian says.

Coles stated that the difference in regulations in each state had a negative effect on consumers and retailers. It stated that customers are stopped from shopping at times suited to their schedule and stores could not prepare for trade after a closed day.

The Australian National Retailers’ Association’s Margie Osmond, said that Victoria has the best legislation country-wide. It states when you cannot shop, such as certain holidays.

She said Australia’s retail sector was going through a huge structural change focused on the consumer’s wants. This required a modern environment, and if Victoria can have it, so can everywhere else.

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