MILLICENT’S three regulated retailers will be the only shops in South Australia compelled to be closed on the evening of November 29 as well as Boxing Day on December 26.
Treasurer Rob Lucas has granted the special exemptions to all other regulated retailers in the state under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1977.
“South Australians have been crying out for greater freedom of choice in shop trading hours,” Mr Lucas said.
“(Regulated) stores will have the opportunity to open until midnight on Black Friday on November 29 for the first time if they choose as retailers capitalise on the burgeoning popularity of the worldwide phenomenon as a time to launch their early sales.”
As the Millicent Proclaimed Shopping District has been in existence for many decades, the trading hours of Woolworths, Target Country and Fosters Foodland are regulated.
It is customary for the Millicent Business Community Association to seek ministerial exemption to allow the three regulated shops to trade on the four pre-Christmas Sundays in December.
Mr Lucas has used his ministerial powers in 2019 to grant the exemption to the three Millicent stores.
Woolworths Millicent manager Benny Peck welcomed the decision.
“I am happy for the opportunity to trade on those four Sundays as this supports our community,” Mr Peck said.
His views were echoed by Target Country manager Ann Nowak, who said the extra hours were appreciated by her customers.
“It gives working people an opportunity to shop,” Ms Nowak.
Foster’s Foodland manager Dave Foster said he endorsed the Black Friday and Boxing Day closures along with the extra trading on the four pre-Christmas Sundays.
“I am comfortable with these trading arrangements and Mr Lucas has been listening to us,” Mr Foster said.
