SHOPPERS’ PARADISE
Cash splash for Coast after retailers extend trading times
THE Gold Coast is expected to be the main beneficiary of a jobs boom and injection of $100 million into south-east Queensland as a result of extended trading hours.
Industry leaders said yesterday’s ruling was a win for customers, job seekers and retailers, though small business may struggle with the competition.
HUNDREDS of jobs and millions of dollars are headed to the Gold Coast after a decision to extend retail trading hours by an hour during the week and three hours on Saturdays.
The trading hours – which will come into force in time for Christmas – will be the longest ever seen in southeast Queensland with all major retailers now able to open from 7am to 9pm Monday to Saturday and 9am to 6pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Smaller and independent retailers will continue to be allowed to choose their trading hours.
The Queensland Industrial Relations Commission granted the trading hours extension yesterday after more than a year of debate.
Combined Chamber of Commerce president Martin Brady said not only would more jobs be created but additional hours would be given to a large number of people who are under employed.
“It will mean more jobs and more shifts,” he said.
Mr Brady said the changes recognised the large number of shift workers on the Gold Coast, particularly in hospitality and tourism, who would now be allowed more flexibility. He said the additional hours were also a bonus for those retail workers who were struggling, giving them the opportunity to pick up more work.
The changes affect the entire southeast of Queensland down to the border and will bring about $111 million a year into the economy and provide 1000 jobs, according to the National Retailers Association.
Burleigh Baker manager Daniella Orosco said more hours would give shoppers a better opportunity to buy locally.
“If there is a market for it then businesses will no doubt jump at the chance to be open longer,” Ms Orosco said.
“It gives customers more flexibility to shop and that can only be a good thing.”
Hot Gossip employee Claire Tanner, 27, said as long as the employer and employees were happy with the extended trading hours, she didn’t see an issue with it.
NRA CEO Dominique
Lamb said the requirement to close at 5pm on Saturdays was frustrating for large stores and supermarkets as it was their busiest trading period.
She said the rule was from times past.
“The world has changed a lot in that time, and we be- lieve the shopping habits of residents in this large metropolitan region have moved on,” she said.
Southport Chamber of Commerce president Laird Marshall said the changes could be frustrating for small businesses who would now have to deal with additional competition from larger retailers.
“I don’t think it is going to change how much people spend, just when they spend it,” he said.
But Mr Marshall said the changes would be positive for consumers and people looking for work or to pick up more hours.