Major retailers in Wagga are set to open their doors on Boxing Day for the first time after years of being denied the opportunity to join in the post-Christmas sales frenzy.
Coles, Woolworths, Big W, Kmart and Myer have all confirmed they will open the day after Christmas, with other retailers across the city all having the option of following suit.
Wagga Business Chamber president Tim Rose believes the majority of retailers will opt to open up on Boxing Day.
“I think it’ll be one of those things where a lot of businesses will want to test out that theory, so I suspect a lot of them will be open,” he said.
“Depending on how good the custom is, they’ll be using that template for years to come.”
No shop can be forced to open in Wagga on Boxing Day under the new legislation introduced by the state government last month, nor can any worker be forced to report for duty that day.
Some retailers, such as Allison Music on Baylis Street, are resolute in their desire not to open despite the change.
“I just want a couple of days off, that’s my take on it,” owner Dale Allison said.
“Everyone’s happy to have a couple of days off and if you want to have a sale, it doesn’t have to be on Boxing Day.”
Mr Rose, however, believes shoppers will have plenty of options for the post-Christmas rush.
“If you’re thinking of looking for a bargain on Boxing Day, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the number of businesses open,” Mr Rose said.
