Trading hours of Coles, Kmart, Bunnings, BWS on Christmas and New Years

The festive season has arrived and there’s a run of public holidays coming up. Here’s a list of what is open and closed in NSW during the Christmas break.

Sydney shoppers turned out in large numbers for Boxing Day sales last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

Christmas is fast-approaching, and the race against the clock is on for shoppers with last-minute gifts to buy.

This calendar year has rewarded Aussies with two consecutive long weekends over the festive season, meaning store trading hours are subject to change on December 25, 26, 27 and January 1 and 2 public holidays.

Here’s a list of what’s open and when during the Christmas break in NSW.

Christmas shoppers Natasha Colli with her daughter Javita, 21, in The Strand Arcade, Sydney. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian.

WHAT SUPERMARKETS ARE OPEN?

In general, all supermarkets and grocery stores, including Woolworths, Coles, ALDI and Harris Farm, will be closed on Sunday, December 25 for Christmas Day.

Some stores will be open with extended hours – as early as 5am and as late as midnight – in the lead up to Christmas.

After December 25, all major supermarkets will be open in NSW but public holidays will affect trading hours of each grocer differently, so make sure to check your local store.

ARE RETAILERS OPEN?

All major retailers, including Big W, Kmart, Target, and Bunnings, will be closed on Christmas Day and have reduced trading hours during the public holidays.

Smaller retailers and local businesses in your area may have differing trading hours over the Christmas period.

Christmas shoppers have filled Sydney streets. Picture: Jeremy Piper

People can still buy their booze over Christmas. Picture: iStock

CAN I BUY ALCOHOL ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?

Yes. Like other major retailers, liquor stores, including BWS, Dan Murphy’s and Liquorland, will be open with reduced trading hours on the public holidays. They will, however, all be closed on Christmas Day.

WILL ESSENTIAL SERVICES BE OPEN?

Essential services, including hospitals, will remain open during the Christmas break.

Pharmacies and chemists are allowed to trade, but will likely be open with shorter hours.

Crowds have braved the wet weather to get their shopping done. Picture: David Swift

CAN I GET PETROL ON PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?

Petrol stations, including Caltex, BP, 7/11, Shell, and Ampol, will function with regular trading hours.

You can also still catch a taxi or a rideshare, however surcharges might apply according to each service.

DO WORKERS EARN PUBLIC HOLIDAY RATES?

Yes. The provisions of the Fair Work Act 2009 regarding working on public holidays, including penalty rates, apply.

Employers will have to pay employees, including hospitality workers, public holiday loadings according to their award.

Originally published as Trading hours of Coles, Kmart, Bunnings, BWS on Christmas and New Years