Easter 2019 trading hours Unveiled
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The Australian Retailers Association expects shoppers to turn out in force to buy Easter-related food and gifts this week.
According to the ARA, most Easter sales do not occur until the week before Good Friday, which this year falls on April 19.
Although the Easter trading period is shorter than the Christmas period, it is still recognised as a busy event for retailers, ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman said.
“As Easter is celebrated widely, many Australians will be heading to retail outlets to buy fresh produce to cater for Easter lunches and feed their friends and families,” Zimmerman said.
The ARA predicts that sales of traditional Easter items, including hot cross, buns, seafood, fresh produce, liquor and chocolate will increase during this time.
Bryan Skepper, Sydney Fish Market general manager, said he expects 50,000 people to visit the iconic market on Good Friday and estimates over 650 tonnes of seafood will be sold during the day.
Skepper said the fish market will open its doors for extended trading hours on Good Friday. It will open at 5am on April 19 and will close at 5pm.
Steve Plarre, CEO of Ferguson Plarre Bakehouses, said hot cross buns, unsurprisingly, are top-sellers during the Easter period.
He said the last few years have seen a rise in the sale of their raspberry and white chocolate and apple and cinnamon varieties.
Restrictions on trading during the Easter period, which begins on Good Friday and lasts until Easter Monday, vary by state. The National Retail Association has provided the following information on trading restrictions:
ACT
There are no trading restrictions any day from April 19-22.
Northern Territory
Trading hours are not regulated in the Northern Territory, however, individual restrictions may apply to certain shopping centres based on centre management.
Trading hours for the sale of liquor products are regulated.
NSW
“As Easter is celebrated widely, many Australians will be heading to retail outlets to buy fresh produce to cater for Easter lunches and feed their friends and families,”
Shops are closed on Good Friday, April 19, and Easter Sunday, April 21, except for small shops and exempt shops, and shops in exempt areas.
There are no trading restrictions on Saturday, April 20, or Monday, April 22.
Queensland
Independent retail shops are closed on Good Friday except if they are a predominantly food and/or grocery store, which can trade unrestricted. There are no restrictions from April 20-22.
Non-exempt shops must not open on Good Friday. Trading may be permitted for non-exempt shops in certain areas of Queensland on the other public holidays during the Easter period.
Tasmania
Shops are closed on Good Friday, April 19, but are open from April 20-22.
South Australia
Shops in the CBD tourist precinct are closed on Good Friday, April 19. Trading is permitted on Saturday, April 20, until 5pm, and between 11am and 5pm on Sunday, April 21, and Monday, April 22.
Shops in the Greater Adelaide Shopping District are closed on Good Friday, April 19, and Easter Sunday, April 21. Trading is permitted on Saturday, April 20, until 5pm, and between 11am and 5pm on Monday, April 22.
Shops in Proclaimed Shopping Districts, excluding shops selling hardware, building materials, furniture floor coverings and motor vehicle parts and accessories, are closed from April 19-22.
Trading is permitted for the exempted categories listed above on Saturday, April 20, until 5pm, and between 9am and 5pm on Sunday, April 21, and Monday, April 22. These shops are closed on Good Friday, April 19.
Victoria
Shops are closed on Good Friday, April 19, except for exempt shops. There are no restrictions on trading from April 20-22.
WA
Shops are closed in the Perth metro area on Good Friday, April 19, and trade is permitted on Saturday, April 20, between 8am to 5pm. On Sunday, April 21, trade is permitted between 11am to 5pm, and on Monday, April 22, trade is permitted between 8am to 6pm.
Outside of the Perth metro area, shops are closed on April 19-22, except for Saturday, April 20, when trade is permitted between 8am and 5pm.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which states have no trading restrictions for shops on any day between April 19-22?
Which states have no trading restrictions for shops on any day between April 19-22?
The Australian Capital Territory has no trading restrictions during this period. The Northern Territory also has no regulated trading hours, though individual restrictions may apply based on centre management or for liquor sales.
Q.Are all shops in New South Wales closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday?
Are all shops in New South Wales closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday?
No, shops in New South Wales are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but there are exceptions for small shops, exempt shops, and those located in exempt areas. Saturday and Monday have no trading restrictions.
Q.What is the expected sales increase for traditional Easter items this year?
What is the expected sales increase for traditional Easter items this year?
The Australian Retailers Association predicts that sales of traditional Easter items, including hot cross buns, seafood, fresh produce, liquor, and chocolate, will increase during this period. No specific percentage increase is mentioned.
Q.When will the Sydney Fish Market be open on Good Friday?
When will the Sydney Fish Market be open on Good Friday?
The Sydney Fish Market will open at 5am on Good Friday, April 19, and will close at 5pm. The general manager expects 50,000 people to visit during these extended trading hours.
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