Gordonvale Woolworths applies for Sunday trade via retail association
A major Australian retailer says its Far North customers are seeking greater shopping flexibility as it supports an application to allow Sunday trading in the southern Cairns region.
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A major Australian retailer says its customers are seeking greater shopping flexibility as it supports an application to allow Sunday trading in the southern Cairns region.
The National Retail Association on behalf of Woolworths has lodged an application requesting Sunday trade following feedback from its Gordonvale store, which can only operate Monday to Saturday.
The application submitted to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission seeks to amend the boundaries of the trading area classification which exists throughout Cairns, but does not include Edmonton and Gordonvale.
Pending trunk infrastructure investments and construction, the southern growth corridor is poised to house up to 45,000 residents with industrial developers already steaming ahead to offer commercial spaces to the city’s south.
If approved, the trading hours amendment would allow Woolworths and other larger stores in Gordonvale to open from 9am until 6pm on Sundays.
Woolworths’ Queensland assistant state manager Sophie Hobden said a survey undertaken by the retailer in March 2024 found 87 per cent of respondents confirmed they shopped at grocery stores on a Sunday, whether at nearby Woolworths stores or other grocery stores.
“We surveyed our customers and found that the overwhelming majority said they would shop on Sundays if it was available,” she said.
“It would also provide a choice for our team to work further hours – which many of the team would like to have the opportunity to do – and earn additional income.”
The Gordonvale store which opened in 2022 employed more than 90 team members.
The National Retail Association’s interim chief executive Lindsay Carroll said if Sunday trade at Gordonvale was approved, it would bring the small community which also has an IGA store currently trading seven days, in line with other Queensland towns.
“It will allow Gordonvale locals to enjoy the same convenience and choice that shoppers already enjoy in Brisbane, Cairns and centres across the state including Ingham, Innisfail, Mackay and Emu Park,” he said.
“This application recognises the recent and planned future growth in the area, and will ensure that retail trade keeps pace with the evolving nature of the region.
“In our experience, Sunday trading benefits local small businesses because it draws people from outside the region into town where they spend with all kinds of stores – local cafes, fruit shops, clothing stores and the like.”
In August 2022 a Gordonvale resident created a petition calling for the Woolworths to be allowed Sunday trade, however no changes were made.
The commission under the Trading (Allowable Hours) Act 1990 would be required to consider a number of factors before making changes including population growth, the interests of business and consumers, public interest and could take into account the views of the local government – Cairns Regional Council.
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Originally published as Gordonvale Woolworths applies for Sunday trade via retail association
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