OWNER of Orange’s two IGA stores, Ian Ashcroft, is delighted at being given the green light to open his stores on Boxing Day.
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Mr Ashcroft is thrilled Orange will be able to keep up with the Boxing Day sales held in metropolitan areas each year.
“It’s fantastic for Orange, to get people back to the town from the Boxing Day sales in Sydney,” he said.
“It gives us a level playing field with Sydney. I think Orange is one of the most progressive towns in NSW, and I think it’s terrific.”
A change in legislation, passed by the NSW government, allows retail businesses to operate on the public holiday.
Under previous legislation, retail stores outside of certain local government areas or the Sydney Trading Precinct were prohibited from operating.
Mr Ashcroft has advocated for a change in the legislation for a number of years and said the change had been well received within the community.
“I think over time, it will be a great thing for Orange,” he said.
“I have been fighting passionately for a change so retail stores could open on Boxing Day. I think it’s great.”
Under the legislation, employees cannot be forced to work but Mr Ashcroft said many of his employees had expressed an interest in working on Boxing Day.
“It has been well received by staff. We’ve had over 20 people volunteer to work on Boxing Day already,” he said.
The change in legislation will also benefit smaller businesses in the region with more people venturing into the city’s centre to grab their bargains.
Bills Beans East Orange will be open on Boxing Day, and owner Ricky Carver said the change would encourage residents and visitors to get out and about on a day where they traditionally stayed at home.
“Our customers are quite pleased with the change to the legislation,” he said.
“Plenty of visitors come to town, and if businesses can open up it will be great for them.
“It’s a day where people don’t have to stay at home anymore and eat leftovers.”
Prince Street general store has opened on Boxing Day for many years due to small business legislation, and owner Greg Parker said the increased opening hours for retail stores in Orange would benefit the community.
“It is good for business owners with the amount of people who come to visit Orange,” he said.
“It’s another service to the people.”
ellen.dunger@fairfaxmedia.com.au
