Mix 94.5

To terri who said that the only people who want sunday shopping are those that are disorganized and leave shopping to the last minute, seriously! what about people like me who work in the hospitality industry, doing 16 hour days 6 days a week. Not everyone has a white picket fence life. and if you dont want to go shopping/work on sunday you dont have to, this is not some third world dictatorship country.

Posted by Michael Sunday 24 August, 2008 03:28 PM

I have sympathy with people against Sunday opening - in most European countries, especially France or Germany, there's little or none, and Saturday afternoon.

However, perhaps the Never on a Sunday crowd in WA should realise that just because shops can open on Sunday, doesn't mean they have to. NZ deregulated nearly twenty years ago, but in many towns, things are shut for the weekend by Saturday lunchtime.

Similarly, in Scotland, unlike the rest of the UK, shops can open when they want, but in the Outer Hebrides the Presbyterians have managed to stop ferries and flights on the Sabbath.

Perhaps Perth, WA should change its name to Stornoway, as Perth in Scotland doesn't keep the Sabbath holy any more.

Posted by Ken Thursday 12 June, 2008 05:53 PM

ann edgar, j shellam and others against sunday trade, get with the program. You say no one visits shops on a sunday, you say it will wreck the family unit??? - what a load of rubbish.

How about you leave the state for 5 seconds and visit one that has extended trade. Sunday trade there is very popular and caters for everyone. Tell me small businesses aren't doing extremely well there, I beg to differ. Happy families don't exist over east?? Churches don't exist over east?? Don't make comments on things you know nothing of.

Here in WA let's cater to the small business owners (who are doing better than the majority of the population) and screw over the other 1 million people that live here. I went to IGA on the Monday public holiday - it was packed, I waited in line to buy a couple of items for 15 minutes. Wow I'm so glad the owner of that IGA is raking in the megabucks whilst using up my valuable time.

Past generations didn't need Sunday trade you say - well I'd hate to say it, but the number of families now with both parents working full time is far greater than it used to be. We don't have time to finish work at 5pm and then jam a grocery shop in after work. It comes down to the selfishness of older generations, not younger generations. You've stuffed up the environment, stuffed up the cost of houses, etc etc and now you're trying to control my time usage.

How about we have a referendum again and this time ask the question correctly, not some convoluted question designed to give a negative response. "Do you want Sunday Trade, Yes or No".

I could go on and on...

Posted by chris Sunday 8 June, 2008 12:00 PM

I have worked in a job that included weekends and late nights, and it CAN affect your life... alot. In consideration of the shifts dropped off during the busy day to be put onto night shift, if we arent buying more then there will be more delays in normal hours. If WA majority votes against something its because the majority dont want it... Why wont anyone accept that?

Posted by Jen Sunday 1 June, 2008 10:46 AM

I'm a Victorian who has just moved to WA and enjoying it so far, but the limited shopping hours is RIDICULOUS!! I used to live in country Vicoria where there are multiple large 24hr supermarkets! Longer shopping hours can only benefit shoppers, easing the stresses of shopping, parking and also giving more working options and income for sruggling students and families! Hurry up and catch up with the rest of the world WA!

Posted by Dave Sunday 25 May, 2008 12:23 PM

YES, YES, YES. BRING ON THE EXTENDED SHOPPIONG HOURS. I am sick to death of struggling with trying to fit in all my shopping on a busy Saturday, fighting for carparking with other shoppers, lining up for hours in queues, etc. I am tired of having to go to IGA to pay their exorbitant prices. I WILL VOTE FOR YOU ALAN CARPENTER if you give us extended shopping hours. You go man!!

Posted by Michelle Monday 17 March, 2008 09:39 PM

Bring on extended trading hours every night and sunday trading. It won't adversely impact on people like they think, stop being afraid and step out of your comfort zone.

Posted by Kaz Wednesday 12 March, 2008 07:28 PM

Bring on Sunday trading. My goodness this state is slow. The other states must be laughing at us! Apparently our state is booming so how about we move move forward and out of the dark ages. I'm sure other states were aprehensive at first but it's a way of life for them now. What about those who are shift workers. Shouldn't they have the option to shop when they can? Come on WA, get it together.

Posted by bp Wednesday 12 March, 2008 07:17 PM

WA, why not catch up with the rest of the world? Bring on sunday trading and stop moaning

Posted by RB Sunday 17 February, 2008 08:34 AM

apart from the harvey normans of the country the only people that want sunday trading are those people that aren't involved in retail, therefore their life wouldn't be affected. generally disorganised people who want shops to be open and at their beck and call. shops are open sundays at xmas and other special times of the year

Posted by terry cain Tuesday 5 February, 2008 06:08 AM

to deanna...
You say the only people that want sunday trading are people that dont work on sundays. Well being in the defence force i never know what time or day/s ill be working so sunday trading would be great for me. I was posted over east for 6.5 years and used the shopping centres almost every sunday and quite often at night (supermarkets close at 9 in QLD).
Now that i live in perth i feel like ive gone back in time and im very restricted to when i can go shopping.

Posted by john Sunday 20 January, 2008 10:14 AM

Well put Life Has Changed.

I’m sick of those who take their apparent right to lunch breaks expecting everyone else to be dictated to when they work half as many hours and made their choices that I’ve paid for through taxes. My choice but an equal contribution from them would be nice. Heaven forbid they respect the rest of us working hard regardless of our circumstances, paying our taxes too.

Considering the retail industry has such a negative customer service standard, it is easy to see why so many are unwilling to bat for them. And I used to work in the industry. There’s a reason why I worked my rear off and left it. Unfortunately many of those without personal skills have remained and believe themselves above others in all industries and circumstances. That is what needs to be corrected. If you happen to be a shopaholic, you go because goodness knows the economy will love your money and drunks are certainly catered for and as long as there's a demand everyone will benefit as long as they aren't narrow minded and selfish. That;s how I need to be in my job and if I don't like it, I know what I can do.

Posted by Lots to say Thursday 17 January, 2008 11:49 PM

Rubbish Deanna, the majority of those who want unrestricted trading hours are those who get limited leisure time because they work in a world where 9 - 5pm Mon to Fri does not exist any more. Has nothing to do with being a shopaholic - but actually trying to get to any kind of shop and I mean 'supermarket' any day or night! In case you haven't noticed - the world - including our little back paddock is undergoing dramatic change-everyone wants to reap the rewards but no one wants to supply the services. It might cut into their extra hour of 'daylight and leisure' time.

Posted by Life has changed Tuesday 15 January, 2008 07:21 PM

Sick of whiners, you crack me up. Any time you have something constructive to put forward without being seen as hypocritical or a whiner yourself, please feel free. And thanks for the special attention, just a little off the topic though don't you think?

Posted by Lots to say Tuesday 15 January, 2008 01:29 PM

dear lots to say did you actually read what was written in my piece or did you just pick out parts that suited your narrow minded view seriously get of the internet and get out in the real world with real people with real problems and stop trying to push your drivell on other people trying to get on the best way they can.
I never said wo me I am so unfortunate I said I get on with my job without having to work lots of extra hour and sundays. You need to get out more and talk to real people.

Posted by sick of whiners Monday 14 January, 2008 07:49 PM

Deanna, what a load of hysterical yawn! zzzzzz

Posted by Lots to say Saturday 12 January, 2008 09:21 AM

Sick of whingers, what a lot of assumptions based on nothing, thankyou for confirming my point. Which part of my having said I’m open to hear a logical reason to vote no makes you think any of your uninformed and selfish drivel swayed me?

Any time you would like share how you and your life choices as a single-mum retail worker are more important than those contributing to society in the hospitality, tourism, medical, transport etc... environments who are also parents, I’d love to hear it.

Posted by Lots to say Saturday 12 January, 2008 09:19 AM

I lived in Perth back when shops closed on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons . I live in Canada for the last 30 years, and we have embraced Sunday shopping. Don't do it.... there is no weekend, there is no pause. All it does is spread the dollars over 7 days , business costs rise for the small guy ,while everbody goes to the Big Box malls. Relax you live in Paradise.

Posted by Des Friday 11 January, 2008 03:18 AM

Well........ It seems to me that the biggest percentage of people who want the sunday trading hours are those who don't have to work them!! I bet that if you lot had to give up your leisure time with your family, friends and especially your kids and their sporting or other hobbies & not be able to participate in any form that you would change your minds. Get a life you shopaholics. If you can't get all your shopping done in six and a half days there is something wrong with you!!

Posted by DEANNA Wednesday 9 January, 2008 09:24 AM

Isnt it about time WA was dragged into the 21st century. Just open the shops anyway, vote by not going in them.

Posted by casper Tuesday 8 January, 2008 09:06 PM

I'm a WA boy and after spending the last 10 years in the north of WA and in Darwin the Sunday trading was a god sent.
The funny thing is I know a lot of people who say "NO, we don't need Sunday trading", yet they are the first to run down to the IGA on Sunday to pick up stuff for work or school on Monday.
Get over it people, this state needs to move forward with the times and Sunday trading will bring jobs and more money for the workers.

Posted by Ross Monday 7 January, 2008 02:09 PM

Dear Lots to say, what a long winded way to say absolutely nothing, if your job is so hard, with long hours and so unrewarding get another one or stop complaining. I am one of those people in retail you are so against. I can assure you that none of my staff stand around reading magazines or are to rude to customers, reguardless how rude or nasty some customers can be. I have also worked is hospitality and have many friends in the police force and hospitals around Perth.
I agree that these professions deserve to get the best pay as they have the worst working conditions. But raging people that work in retail because you can't get your act together is very sad. I am a single parent who works to support my children so I don't rely on the taxpayers. I work five days a week now, but with the opinion of people like you I could be working more days and hours. My children are young but it is still hard working and being there for them. But I'm sure you have some way to explain to them why I will be at work longer for narrow minded people like you that have nothing better to do with there time but whinge about why the shops are not open.

Posted by sick of whiners Monday 7 January, 2008 07:46 AM

Thanks J Shellam. I really do appreciate hearing your comments too as not everyone is so open to consider all the points. I understand your indignance at a referendum being ignored but the laws haven’t changed in this time frame. The biggest bully was afforded their way without everyone knowing all the facts.

De-regulation truly will allow both retailers and consumers the right to choose. Unfortunately, many are mis-informed that both retailers and consumers have the right to choose when they are open and that they don’t have to shop.

I truly am open to hearing ‘nay’ responses but the facts in some areas haven’t been promoted or made known. Anyone, please feel free to visit centres to ask whether it is in their contracts as to when they must open and whether it is enforceable by centre management. Any centre forcing this should be vetoed as it is not enforceable in a court of law.

Everyone has earned the right of choice and that is what I am voting for in a progressive society to suit everyone.

Posted by Sophie Wednesday 2 January, 2008 09:08 PM

And the debate goes on and on.....Can see both sides of the argument, but lets just remember one point..There was a referendum held and the public spoke. How dare the government make a decision without taking this into account.. How much does a referendum cost to take place?

Posted by Shelley Wednesday 2 January, 2008 12:11 PM

Can someone please point me towards the legislation that forces every shop to open for current trading hours? There’s a stack of shops I’d like to report for choosing not to be open during opening hours as regulated by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Oh, my bad, there is no law in this state forcing them to be open.

For example, visit Carillon City on a Friday and you will find many owner/operators don’t open until between 10am-12pm in order to accommodate the late night trading. I wish my hours were as flexible!

Is it fair for retailers to work the system one way to their benefit and not provide the flip side? Or shall we all continue to see the glass half full?

How stupid am I that it took until today to realise that ‘irreconcilable differences’ was a synonym for shopping; did you know that all those affairs and fights resulting in divorce were actually about shopping?

Shall I start lobbying Mr Carpenter and local councils to add sales signs to the many swings in the many parks provided for everyone to enjoy at any time as this is apparently determining people’s ability to walk or head the car in this direction?

J Shellam, I’m already being forced to pay nearly double for things like milk, bread and vegetables or actually having to do without , do you think that’s fair? Or do only you and your circumstances deserve the right to access these?

Happy New Year everyone. Maybe I’ll be the one serving your drinks and meals at venues such as Gloucester Park, pubs and casinos. Or maybe I’ll be serving those at Perth Cup tomorrow. To all the retail workers and nay-sayers, hope you enjoy your night in a private venue as I’d sure hate to think you were being hypocritical. Wonder what my family and friends will be doing?

Posted by Sophie Monday 31 December, 2007 01:38 PM

Can someone please point me towards the legislation that forces every shop to open for current trading hours? There’s a stack of shops I’d like to report for choosing not to be open during opening hours as regulated by the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection. Oh, my bad, there is no law in this state forcing them to be open.

For example, visit Carillon City on a Friday and you will find many owner/operators don’t open until between 10am-12pm in order to accommodate the late night trading. I wish my hours were as flexible!

Is it fair for retailers to work the system one way to their benefit and not provide the flip side? Or shall we all continue to see the glass half full?

How stupid am I that it took until today to realise that ‘irreconcilable differences’ was a synonym for shopping; did you know that all those affairs and fights resulting in divorce were actually about shopping?

Shall I start lobbying Mr Carpenter and local councils to add sales signs to the many swings in the many parks provided for everyone to enjoy at any time as this is apparently determining people’s ability to walk or head the car in this direction?

Actually, Mr Carpenter can the right to vote be given to 6 year olds for more logical and informed decisions? Can we also have an urgent scientific investigation into the phenomenons only affecting WA? eg cows telling the time and brainwashing.

Posted by Sophie Monday 31 December, 2007 12:54 PM

For Christ's sake let the shops, pubs, car yards, everything, open when they feel like it. Not this wishy washy, "rules for some but not others" rubbish as at present.

Most shops can only open when some "wise old men" in the big old house on the hill, tell them they can. But of course some can open when they like. Supermarkets with only X amount of employees. Shops in the middle of the city, on Sunday's, but people have to wait till half the day is gone, as they are only allowed to open after noon. Who thought of that stupid idea?

And of course there is Bunnings. How come they get to open when they want to? They are hardly a small company. Maybe some of the "wise old men" own part of it. And car yards can only open till 1pm on Saturday's and not at all on Sunday's. What if you want to buy a car, take a day off?

The present system is a shambles. The government should stick their nose out of it. Let them sit there in the big old house on the hill and twiddle their thumbs and think of how they can give the refugees even more money.

Steve

Posted by Steve Vecsei Monday 31 December, 2007 08:37 AM

To J Shellam

Every time I walk into a store it is to find shop assistants just standing around. Regardless of how many are in the store! Heaven forbid I interrupt them doing that with a question.

If a store has no customers, who's fault is that exactly? Poor management is not the general public's fault so why should their incompetence decide my life choices and options?

Posted by Sophie Sunday 30 December, 2007 10:23 PM

Let's get government out of our lives in all areas where they are not needed or wanted. A key area is retail trading hours. It should be up to the individual business operator when they are open for business.

No business is going to stay open if they have no customers after a certain time. It costs money to keep the doors open. If there is no, or very little, money coming through those doors, they will close them. Let the market decide, not the government

Posted by Bill Sunday 30 December, 2007 10:28 AM

If shops are required to trade extra hours according to the government then should government depts also be required to trade or open for the public who do work and are unable to visit them outside of 9 to 5 Mon to Friday. Lets start at the top first.Who will be the first to complain when prices go up to cover shop assistants standing around just in case someone visits the store ???

Posted by j shellam Saturday 29 December, 2007 10:00 PM

Sunday trading isn't a good idea. What happened to 8,8, 8? that unions fought so hard for?Small businesses cannot support the staff wages and the big conglomerates don't care if they wipe out the small businesses. Give people the day off to go to church, play sport, be with family. What is happening to the good old fashioned family unit because we are wanting the big bucks for unneeded luxuries? I am aall for modernising whne necessary. Shopping with kids would be easier if they were disciplined at home and not whinge while in the shopping trolley. Our parents managed so why can't the X and Y generation?

Posted by Ann Edgar Sunday 23 December, 2007 09:29 AM

OK folks, let’s be real.

Apparently families and retail workers don’t utilise the benefits of pubs, clubs, cinemas, hospitals, police, power generation etc... Clearly these people only shop between 8am-6pm and never shop on Saturdays after 12pm.

Point One
This is a state where the votes are dominated by ‘families’. How many of those are stay at home or are part-time mothers and grandmothers? How many of their partners even do the shopping let alone care what the trading hours are? Don’t get me wrong, families are very important but the fact is they do not care who is paying for their baby bonuses or that there are export benefits from daylight saving. Don’t even get me started on daylight saving and the illogical rubbish that apparently affects nowhere else in the world yet is creating all kinds of social and medical evils in WA - put your hand up if your IQ is clearly under 80!

Add to this sections of the workforce shopping hours doesn’t affect and combine with the above paragraph in most cases. Sorry, but for example, love you teachers but you do have freedom to shop at convenient times also and suspect you don’t really care if some us can’t shop so expediently, (that means conveniently or easily).

So how many votes are clearly ‘don’t care or not affected’?

Point Two
The dreaded ruination of the family unit apparently happened with the introduction of all day trading on Saturday. Does anyone remember that? I was just a kid but it was all the same arguments, same scare-mongering. Same rubbish! Sport still happens on Saturdays and Sundays, family life went on. Apparently life and families will cease to exist with any introduction of Saturday, err I mean, Sunday trading. Just as it did with the rest of the world outside Perth. Oh wait, those still exist.

Point Three
Apparently the retail industry is much more privileged and far above the hospitality industry. Yet apparently it’s ok for the hospitality industry to serve those people at the wee hours; never mind the many shift workers in various other industries saving lives or providing services that work even worse hours.

Apparently the retail industry works harder than the people at your local deli or in any other job. Didn’t you know?

Has anyone experienced bad service in a shop? Been ignored or insulted by a retail worker? Had to wait while that person was on a call, chatting away to someone else or will ‘be back in 5 minutes’ whilst you have taken the only 5 minute break in your day? Been expected to do the retail worker’s job because they were too lazy or didn’t care? Does anyone in the retail industry even remember what ‘customer service’ is?

I’m sorry, how much does sitting reading a magazine pay because I’d personally love a job that paid me anything to do that! Yes, let’s protect the lack of customer service and pay those people more. How about 85% of the retail industry provide the service you are already paid to do and then we’ll support a pay rise for you. Once the nurses and teachers, for example, receive theirs.

Please don’t get me wrong either, the retail industry is a vital part of our economy for many reason including tourism – which WA is proud of. Some retail workers are excellent and that’s one factor as to why things like loyal customers exist. We are concerned how it will affect you. What about the rest of you? What are you doing that is so deserving of special consideration? That is, when you aren’t pretending you aren’t annoyed we’ve walked in the door?

Just how many people will have to work 7 days a week anyway? Of all the people who work full time in other industry, what are your real hours? When you walk out of the door, do you get to leave work there? Do you actually get to take your lunch hour and your apparent right to breaks? How many hours does the average retail employee actually work anyway?

I’ve worked in and for the retail industry and there are workable, practical solutions. I’ve also worked in the hospitality industry, at hospitals, my dad was a policeman, my experience is extremely varied, at ground level, and I’ve never heard such a lot of selfish hogwash.

If you are business owner doing it tough, and I know some of you are, my question to you is what are you doing wrong? Look at factors like your attitude as an employer, the environment and service you have created, your business location, your products and prices and your general management and business practices. If you have a store worth visiting, you will have customers. Yes, I am a marketing and pr worker and not everything is everyone else’s fault; including centre management, big business and the government.

Conclusion
So, let me see if I have this straight.

I work nearly twice as many hours as a retail worker with even odder and more unpredictable hours, seven days a week for a rate that works much worse than retail workers’, studied and worked my rear end off to get that because this country provides that to everyone (especially if you are under-privileged), currently don’t get time to shop at all unless it’s necessities and am therefore not contributing to economy in that regard, work through breaks, don’t have access to the specials that apparently occur between 8am-5pm and yet I’m supposed to care about the lack of service and poor wages, pay for baby bonuses, don’t get time to enjoy sport, family or a social life because I am limited as to when I can shop. Yet I am somehow still expected to respect what a hard a time that must be for retail workers in an environment that is the most agonising experience I can think of, ie shopping? And don’t get me started on the rudeness of fellow shoppers (and their undisciplined children), rent, cost of living etc...

Oh, and given I am in the know as a marketing and pr worker, those parent and child bays are a marketing ploy. Or don’t you think that struggling pensioners who can’t afford to spend in a shopping centre with their medical conditions deserve the space more than a fit mother? The argument about struggling to get out of the car with your child in the rain and sun doesn’t wash either; your parents coped just fine and places like Garden City supply bays under cover. Sorry, it’s all to get you to spend your money – afterall, who else has time during the day to spend it shopping? Who else gets to shop all day? Keep believing the news too.

Posted by Lots To Say Saturday 22 December, 2007 09:41 PM

If you think WA is sooo boring don't live here, who needs you ! What about the people who have to work on the weekend what about there family, there social life! or because of all of you selfish people they should just keep working so you all can shop yourselves into a frenzy! Get a life find something else to do but spend unessesary time and money at the shops.

Posted by phyllis Friday 21 December, 2007 08:18 PM

"Wait Awhile" yes thats our nickname here in WA. wake up WA we are so behind here. extended trading hours has been working in other states for years. I Lived in Melbourne for 2 years and as much as I would rather be in WA the one thing i miss is being able to shop any time I want. Being a mother of 4 kids shopping during the day was a huge ordeal and very stressful. But when Dad got home and everyone was fed and ready for bed I would leave the kids with Dad and head off to do the shopping sometimes even at 9pm. It was so much less stressful and I could shop and buy what I needed without any hassles. And of course there are the days where OMG I am out of milk and now i have to pay a ridiculous $5 at the service station. In Melbourne there are still loads of small stores and deli stores operating so if they can survive so can we. Wake up WA and get with the times stop hiding your heads in the sand embrace new ideas and who knows you may even look back one day and wonder what all the fuss was about.

Posted by Leanne Friday 21 December, 2007 03:32 PM

I agree with Lee who doesn't want to move back to Perth because we are boring - it is time we get up with the modern day trading, not the backward trading we had so many years ago and today. Come on someone in parliament please make the ultiamte decision and say yes to 7 day a week trading (you all made up our minds on the daylight saving issue - I'm sure you can do this as well).
BRING IT ON!!!!!!!!

Posted by Donna Friday 21 December, 2007 11:29 AM

This is probably one of the major reasons i don't want to move back to Perth. It is so damn boring. The whole place shuts down at 6pm. Yawn. Get with the program. Don't waste more money of referendums, made a bloody decision and just do it already!

Posted by Lee Thursday 20 December, 2007 03:12 PM

To the Sunday trading advocates: why are you STILL riding this hobby-horse? Didn't we have a referendum on this subject in 2005? And didn't we the people of WA overwhelmingly vote "no" to extended hours and Sunday trading? What now - should we keep having referendums until we finally vote the "right" way?

Posted by Trevor J Thursday 20 December, 2007 01:35 PM

We come from East. And Sunday is a normal trading day... As is most nights... We love it here but geez get with the program.... Sunday is just another day. Trade It makes sense.

Posted by sharyn Wednesday 19 December, 2007 09:32 PM

WOW - PLEASE change it. We live in a city, so far from every other city in this country but so many people are so behind. If other major cities in the country or the world can cope with 7 day trading and some places staying open 24/7 then why cant we do it. Its people who are scared of change that help to give Perth the name of "BORING CITY". I am looking at Melbourne as my new lifestyle because its Trendy and going with the times. If Perth does 7 day trading it might help to convince me to stay!

Posted by Justin Barnes Wednesday 19 December, 2007 09:14 AM

Firstly i agree with Jackie, if you voted no then you should feel ashmed of yourselves if you take advantage of the extra sunday trading at the moment , If the shops want to open on sundays then they should be allowed to, its about time that Perth caught up with rest of the world, then we might be able to get rid of that dullsville tag that we have earned. If you take a trip down to Mandurah or Rockingham on weekends when the shops are open there are people everywhere, so you cant tell me that it would be a waste of time and money if the shops were allowed to open especially during the summer months

Posted by steve Wednesday 19 December, 2007 12:23 AM

I think the hours should change, its hard being a full-time working mother trying to get everything done including shopping, and on Saturday its the last thing you want to do is go shopping. I reckon we should have longer trading hours for sure.

Posted by Tracey Steele Tuesday 18 December, 2007 09:30 PM

Bring It On! WA is called by the Eastern States "Wait AWhile" - well we have waited enough for extended trading. I Agree with Jackie - I bet those people of voted no - were out there shopping on Sunday etc. I work full time and so I have to squeeze all my shopping into 1 day - not to mention have a life/family commitments. The Government should put it in place and not go to the polls. WA has a great economy and we should be trading when we like! JUST DO IT!

Posted by Sascha Tuesday 18 December, 2007 04:52 PM

I think it's about time WA caught up with the rest of Australia and bring in Sunday trading. My husband and I both work on weekdays and our 3 kids play sports on Saturdays. Quite often you don't make it to the shops in time on Saturday afternoon and you have to run around like a mad chook on Monday afternoon, afterwork, before picking the kids up from Daycare, if you get there in time. At least living in the Rockingham/Mandurah area, we get Sunday trading during the school holidays and they are always packed. Hurry up and bring in deregulated trading.

Posted by Michelle Tuesday 18 December, 2007 03:49 PM

Sunday shopping is a must. How can the government quietly allow bottle stores to open on a Sunday and no-one even notices. But mention the words Sunday Shopping and everyone is up in arms. Perth does not require 24/7 just a late night and Sunday trading. There will unfortunately be some small business sut downs that is unavoidable but everyone moves on. I am from a small town in NZ where they have Sunday shopping. If they can do it so can Perth. It will also give a lot of students extra working opportunities.

Posted by Bernie Tuesday 18 December, 2007 03:37 PM

to all those who want extendended shopping maybe you should go and get a job in retail and then see if you still like it . i want to be able to see me family at least some time in the day .we dont need it just organize your life a bit better . i do remember when i was little the shops closed at lunch on saturday . i still like that .

Posted by david Tuesday 18 December, 2007 11:14 AM

Sunday trading is a great idea.I came from new zealand and was shocked to see the stores closed on sundays and at five.I cant believe that even pharmacies are closed, what if my son is ill and I need medicine, is it really necesary to go to the hospital and get a prescription and find a pharmacy.Sunday trading has my vote

Posted by Dana Tuesday 18 December, 2007 09:33 AM

Yes I would love Sunday Trading, not 24/7 trading, we do not need that here, it great going to the shops on Sunday, I am so busy working all work, when I go shopping, I just grab what I need & run, on sunday I could spend more time looking through the shops, with my young daughters. Also when people come from oversea they do not understand why we are not open on Sundays

Posted by Tracy Ward Tuesday 18 December, 2007 09:14 AM

I don't understand why WA is so behind the rest of the country. We sell ourselves as a fantastic place to visit and then shut the doors on people at 5.30 on the dot. It is crazy. God forbid should someone want to do something on a Sunday in this city, especially in winter. Come on WA, let jump into this century and stop holding onto the past!

Posted by Kelli Tuesday 18 December, 2007 07:15 AM

I work in retail, we have difficulty getting staff to work a Saturday because they don't want to give up their weekends. no-one I have spoken to in retail is willing to work Sunday

Posted by stormed Monday 17 December, 2007 04:22 PM

Why not look at Sunday trading at least once a fortnight or monthly! This way the small guys still get a bite of the cherry!

Posted by Craig Monday 17 December, 2007 02:51 PM

If we cannot have sunday trading in all shops then we should not have Sunday trading anywhere. Petrol stations, restaurants, corner deli's, IGA stores and all other shops and retail chains that seem to have exemption from this ludicrous law. It is about time that it was equitable for all shop owners to run their business as they see fit.

Posted by Wallace Monday 17 December, 2007 09:55 AM

Sunday trading and extended trading is terrific. I am from western australia and was always frustrated couldn't get to shop on sundays or late at night when things be more quiet. I now live in the UK and still love my favorite radio station mix 94.5 but the 24 hour and extended trading here is fantastic. I actually hate shopping on the weekends here but the rest of the time I love being able to shop at 5 in the morn if it suits me better or midnight if it's more convient for me...

Posted by Michelle Mills Monday 17 December, 2007 12:39 AM

Firstly, you hypocrites that voted No, stay away from the Sunday and extended trading up to Christmas. You don't deserve to be there. My vote is to bring on Sunday / late night trading. It is the best for juggling a busy life. Living over east, I loved dropping by the supermarket after playing sport to pickup some groceries. There is nothing better than strolling down the aisle at 10pm at night & grabbing what you want without someone running into you with their trolley. And no queues at the checkout!

Posted by jackie Thursday 13 December, 2007 08:47 AM

Anne of cource the first few sundays will be quite it was the same here in the UK when sunday trading started, however 6 years on and sundays are now more busyer then saturdays all the shopping centre car parks packed to the limit and im not just talking about the run up to christmas every sunday for the last 6 years have been great for all concrned, even the 6 big supper market chains here in the uk are open 24 hrs aday 6 days aweek and they still open for trading on a sunday from 10 till 5. im not talking about a few big stores open on sundays but u name it from chemists to pet shops even to the little man who runs the discount stores. for starters public transport has improved on sundays for those who dont drive and of corse everyone benifits another working day in there wage packet. SAY YES TO SUNDAY TRADING

Posted by Perry Young Thursday 13 December, 2007 08:35 AM

I think the extended hours shopping is a great Idea, I come from the east and its been there for years. Rockingham Shops are open on sundays each week over the school holidays and you can not get a parking spot. All the stores are full and you cant get a seat in the cafe's. Get out of the dark ages and give it a go you lot.

Posted by David Wednesday 12 December, 2007 01:11 PM

It's all good and well to say that Sunday trade is a success when it's only the major department stores that these rumours are based on. Go ask any small retailer in any shopping centre how their trade was last Sunday and most will tell you that they were lucky to make enough to pay the wages for that one day, or they had to work themselves to save on wages. I went shopping last Sunday about 1pm and the carparks were only about a 1/4 full. The malls were empty. I don't understand how this can be translated into such great profits even for the major stores. If the trade is so poor in the lead up to Christmas, how will it be on an ordinary Sunday?? I voted NO and will continue to vote NO on this subject!!!

Posted by Anne Tuesday 11 December, 2007 09:15 PM

Hi Perth, i often listern to your radio station, as i work nights, and your 9 hours in front of the UK, anyway i can say that TRAIDING on a sunday started in the UK about 6 years ago and it works very well, as i work nights i find it hard to go shopping in the week as i'll proberly be sleeping however i do have sundays off and although the times are limited on sundays its very conviniant, the shops open at 10 for browsing only then the tills open at 11am then its shop shop shop until 5pm depending in what area you live in. i say GO FOR SUNDAY TRADING PERTH THERE WILL BE NO LOOKING BACK from your dedicated number one fan in the UK

Posted by Perry Young Tuesday 11 December, 2007 12:54 PM

Seven day trading is long overdue in WA. Let the people decide rather than have the government let a few select areas open up. It should be all or nothing and I'm in favour of all!!

Posted by Steve Monday 10 December, 2007 04:12 PM

I agree with Maz. Sunday trading should be an option all the time - not just in the lead up to Xmas. Any visitor to any shopping centre that opens on a Sunday will tell you there is a demand for shops to be open at more convenient hours. It would also relieve some of the parking issues currenlty experienced in the City and the larger shopping centres. I just don't understand why Perth has to be different to the rest of Australia on so many issues. Come on, give the people what we want!....

Posted by Claire Monday 10 December, 2007 02:57 PM

I think we should have Sunday trading all the time and not just in the lead-up to Christmas. Why should Government rules dictate to me when and where I can shop. I work full time and it's difficult to find the time to do the weekly shopping within the current restricted hours. Where is the choice and flexibility in WA?

Posted by Maz Monday 10 December, 2007 02:40 PM

It's long overdue that Perth moves into the 21st century on retail trading hours. Having the choice and the flexibility to shop on Sundays allows my wife and I to balance our busy lives. Yesterday (Sunday) we were able to do our grocery shopping at our local supermarket at a time that was convenient to us. Every other week of the year it is a dilemma finding the time to fill the kitchen cupboards. It's a shame Sunday shopping is a luxury only afforded to us at Christmas.

Posted by David Monday 10 December, 2007 02:34 PM

I think that we should continue with the trend of having one major centre open each Sunday. The northern suburbs having Karrinyup, Whitfords, Lakeside and perhaps Ocean Keys opening one Sunday a month respectively would make everyone happy. The Southern and Eastern suburbs could do the same.

Posted by Sandy Western Monday 10 December, 2007 02:03 PM

Yes we should have sunday trading and extended trading hours during the week nights. We are so behind in WA, Darwin has 24hrs shops and we don't, wake up Perth and WA. We have a large percantage of night shift workers and fly in/fly out and rotating rosters, we need the flexibility to buy our groceries at night or on a Sunday. Stop being such a boring nanny state WA!

Posted by susan s Monday 10 December, 2007 01:36 PM

Perth's retail trading need to be more responsive to the needs of a community that is operating outside of a standard nine hour day. Our economy needs an adaptive retail environment that encourages an entrepreneurial attitude and willingness to adopt change. The sooner retail trading hours are deregulated the better.

Posted by Lynda Dorrington Monday 10 December, 2007 12:58 PM

it shouldnt be something that retail shops should be forced into but if the owners want to open their stores on a sunday why shouldnt they. coming close to christmas theyld get more buisness but it still should be their choice.

Posted by hamish Monday 10 December, 2007 12:15 PM

definately need to bring in sunday trading. i work full time and therefore really only have thursday nights and saturdays to get all my shopping done. i had a great time shoppping yesterday at whitfords being able to get some of my xmas shopping started instead of the usual leaving it all to the last minute.

Posted by Dale Monday 10 December, 2007 12:09 PM

The only reason Sunday trading is so viable at the moment is because of the time of the year - people doing their last minute Christmas shopping. The shops are open enough for people to shop during the year. It would have a devistating effect on small shop owners. Prices would go up to cover the extra wages in larger stores. We have had a referendum - why do we keep going over and over old issues when the people have voted. Why spend all the money on referendums when a few politicians change the rules as they have with daylight saving - listen to the people who voted you into power!!!

Posted by Maree Monday 10 December, 2007 12:09 PM

Bring it on. WA means wait awhile. Get up with the times & give the customers the choice. Sundat trading rocks.

Posted by michael miller Monday 10 December, 2007 12:05 PM

yes yes yes... bring on Sunday trading... i can shop there and then go to the beach whilst it is still daylight

Posted by Dan Monday 10 December, 2007 09:46 AM