Main retailers are allowed to open as early as 7am on weekdays and Saturdays, 8am on Sunday and close later at 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
WA Minister for Commerce Michael Mischin said the extended trading would provide greater convenience, choice and flexibility to consumers when doing their pre and post-Christmas shopping and was in line with the State Government’s commitment to the gradual easing of restrictions.
Shops remain closed on Christmas Day.
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READ NOWThe extended hours end on January 1 and extended trading (8am to 6pm) has been approved for Australia Day on January 26.
for a detailed list of Christmas trading hours in Perth.
It is timely to remind shoppers to exercise their consumer rights, especially if the Christmas gifts they buy need to be returned.
Consumers are entitled to a refund, replacement or repair if what they buy is faulty, unsafe or not as described. In the past, Christmas has been haunted by late deliveries of gifts, disappointment with the product, problems returning gifts and difficulties in getting refunds.
There are strong laws to protect consumers and give them a guarantee that what they buy from Australian-based retailers, including those trading online, are free from defects, fit for their intended purpose and match the description in any advertising.
But if consumers want to return a gift because it is the wrong size, they do not like the style or colour or just want to exchange it for another gift they prefer, then the returns policy will differ from store to store.
These types of returns are completely at the retailer’s discretion but they must abide by their stated returns policy.
If you receive a gift card, make sure you take note of the terms and conditions and expiry date. Try to redeem gift cards as soon as possible after receipt, as it is believed Australian retailers make $300 million from unclaimed gift vouchers each year.
Consumer information is available by downloading Consumer Protection’s app, iShopWA, from the App Store or Google Play. Receipts for gift purchases can be stored and reminders of gift card expiry dates can be set.
For more advice or to complain about an issue with a retailer, call 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@commerce.wa.gov.au