A recent Curtin Business School-CCI survey of consumer confidence found a third of people shop on a Sunday at least twice a month, with 14 per cent shopping most or every Sunday.
‘These results show that the people of Perth are embracing Sunday shopping and this can only be a good thing for Perth retailers who face increasing competition from online suppliers,’ CCI chief executive James Pearson said.
But he believed now could be the time to extend the allowed 11am opening time for shops on a Sunday.
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READ NOW‘To ensure the retail sector remains vibrant and attractive to local retailers, investors and new brands, removing restrictions on what products can be sold, as well as extending the trading times on Sunday should be the next steps for government,’ he said.
‘It is no coincidence that since seven-day trading was introduced Perth has received interest from major international retailers like Aldi, Zara and Topshop and there have been commitments to redevelop shopping centres.
‘More convenient shopping hours will benefit retailers by making it easier for their customers to shop, and consumers by bringing in more choice of goods and outlets,’ Mr Pearson said.
Cockburn Gateway has found Sunday trading popular with its customers, the centre manager Leanne Chaproniere said.
‘With Cockburn Gateway Shopping City currently under redevelopment, the introduction of Sunday trade is welcomed by many eastern states and overseas retailers who previously did not see it as a viable option to open in Perth,’ she said.
‘The Sunday trading hours… of opening at 11am is still somewhat confusing with customers regularly parking out the front from much earlier than 11am.’