• 44 extra Christmas shopping hours to boost retail sales

• Shop early and locally to avoid disappointment due to COVID-19 delivery delay

• Australia Day public holiday trading also extended by four hours 

The McGowan Government is encouraging WA consumers to shop early and locally this year, with 44 extra hours of trading for general retail shops in Perth approved for the Christmas and New Year period.

Delivery delays due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions could increase the risk of Christmas gifts not arriving on time, so it is recommended shoppers look at either going into local bricks and mortar shops or, if ordering gifts online, give preference to WA traders.

The extended trading hours for general retail shops in the Perth metropolitan area will begin on Sunday, December 5 2021.

Sunday and public holiday trading has been extended an extra four hours a day, 8am to 6pm (normally 11am to 5pm), with an additional one hour on Saturdays, 8am to 6pm (normally 8am to 5pm).

From Monday, December 13 to Christmas Eve inclusive, larger shops can choose to open one hour earlier from 7am until 9pm on weekdays (normally 8am to 9pm).

Trading for the Australia Day public holiday on Wednesday, January 26 2022 will also be extended four hours, 8am to 6pm.

Comments attributed to Commerce Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"The best way to ensure your Christmas gifts arrive on time this year is by shopping locally, so I would encourage consumers to support WA businesses.

"Delivery delays have increased the risks of shopping online, especially if the online trader is based interstate or overseas.

"Purchasing gifts from WA suppliers will be a better option to ensure your presents arrive on time and give our local businesses a boost.

"The extended retail trading hours will expand consumer convenience and provide more opportunity for bricks and mortar stores to enjoy a financially rewarding Christmas shopping period."

Minister's office - 6552 6832  

(Extended hours in bold)