This Boxing Day some retailers, shops and restaurants, will open for business.
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Following a two-year trial outside Sydney, businesses in regional areas such as Orange can now choose to open.
Orange’s Harvey Norman store will be one of them.
Proprietor Wally Martyr said the store had been open during the two-year trial and it had been “quite successful”.
Mr Martyr said working on the day was voluntary for staff and many took up the opportunity to get paid a little extra for working.
He said there was always enough staff to work.
“It’s an important day, it’s one our busiest days of the year – whether it’s the 26th of the 27th [of December],” Mr Martyr said.
“It’s the beginning of our half-year clearance and there will be large promotions around that.”
Both Ashcroft IGA supermarkets in the Summer Centre and Peisley Street will be open from 8am to 7pm.
Coles and the both of the city’s Woolworths stores and BWS will be open on Boxing Day.
Not every business is taking the opportunity on Boxing Day with Bensons Cafe set to closed.
“We decided not to open,” cafe owner Taylor Zarnow said.
Ms Zarnow said the cafe operated seven-days a week and didn’t open on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Australia Day, Anzac Day, Good Friday or Easter Sunday.
“It gives staff time to take a break,” Ms Zarnow said.
“We’re a very family oriented business and we would prefer staff have some time with their families.
“For us, Boxing Day is hanging with the family or having a barbecue with friends.”
Orange Business Chamber president Ash Brown said trading on Boxing Day was a decision for employers.
“There should be negotiation between employers and employees on whether the business opens,” Mr Brown said.
“I would be surprised if employers forced people to work.”
He said while some employees would for the extra pay, that extra cost would be a significant consideration for business owners.
Forcing employees to work can attract fines of $11,000 per employee.
A phone hotline – 13 16 28 – has been setup so workers and businesses are aware of their rights and obligations.
Two free workshops will be held at the Orange Ex-Services’ Club on November 28 to assist businesses planning to open on Boxing Day.
Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
