Stores will open on Boxing Day

The NSW Government has granted interim exemptions to large chain stores around the state allowing them to trade, with smaller business now allowed to make the decision for themselves.

The decision sits well with Orange Chamber of Commerce president Jeff Whitton although he says many stores will not want to open.

“My opinion is if a business wants to trade on any day it should be their choice if they want to or not,” he said.

“If people find there is a niche market they can appeal to on a certain day ... with Boxing Day there are a lot of people who save their shopping until then ... I think a lot of people will take that opportunity.”

However, he expects many smaller stores will opt to take a break over the holidays.

Orange’s Myer, Big W, Kmart, Bunnings Warehouse and major supermarkets will trade, as will several other businesses.

Under changes to the law, which took affect in July, many smaller businesses became exempt from trading restrictions, with larger chains given the opportunity to apply for exemptions.

“Major chains had to apply and as of [yesterday] we’ve allowed all of them to trade this Boxing Day,” NSW Office of Industrial Relations executive director Don Jones said.

Mr Jones said the larger stores would be allowed to trade between the hours of 9am and 5pm but were not allowed to roster on staff.

“Stores don’t have to open if they don’t want to and staff have to volunteer to work,” Mr Jones said.

“Our website will provide people with the opportunity to complain if they feel they’ve been forced to work.”

The Shops, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), which represents many retail workers, has expressed concerns some workers may feel pressured to work even if they are not forced.

SDA assistant general secretary Bernie Smith said most workers would be entitled to double time and a half for working over the holiday.