Majority Support Longer Wa Shopping Hours

Majority Support Longer WA Shopping Hours

Two-thirds of Perth residents support longer shopping hours on weekdays and Sunday according to an independent survey commissioned by Coles Supermarkets.

The Director of Coles Supermarket Operations, Mr Stuart Machin, said over 90 per
cent of Perth residents are aware that West Australia has more restricted shopping hours than any other State.

"Over 70 per cent of women, many of them working mums, support longer shopping
hours, especially on week nights until 9 pm to help them to better manage their work- life balance," Mr Machin said.

"Over 80 per cent of working men would also like to see shopping hours extended on weekdays so that they or their partners have more flexibility to share the shopping and manage their families."

Mr Machin said the survey also shows that over 80 per cent of younger people under 34 years of age in particular support extended shopping hours.

"This survey is a powerful reminder to politicians of all political persuasions that the vast majority of consumers and voters want longer shopping hours,' he said.

"Longer shopping hours are not only more convenient for time pressed mums and dads but will also result in more investment and jobs for WA families."

Mr Machin urged bi-partisan political support for State Government legislation to extend shopping hours on weekdays.
Background notes for editors a copy of the full survey by MarketMetrics conducted over the weekend is available from Jim Cooper, Media Manager, Coles Supermarkets, Ph (03) 9829 4354.


SOURCE: Coles