Extra trading hours for Manjimup shops

Commerce Minister Michael Mischin has approved an extension to retail trading hours in the Shire of Manjimup.

The Manjimup Shire Council had asked to the Minister to adjust trading hours to 8am-9pm Monday to Friday and 11am-5pm on Sundays and public holidays, except Christmas Day, Good Friday and Anzac Day.

Saturday trading will remain unchanged from 8am to 5pm.

Mr Mischin said the Retail Trading Hours Act 1987 allowed him to make an exemption for general retail shops in the Manjimup local government district to open on Sundays and later on weeknights.

"While the changes give all Manjimup retail shops the choice of opening for extended periods during the week and on Sundays and public holidays, there is no obligation for retailers to open for longer hours if they do not wish to do so," he said.

"Retailers can make a business decision on whether or not it is profitable to trade for longer hours.

"Importantly, the reforms provide retailers with more choice on when they can trade.  The extension of hours will bring the district's trading hours into line with those operating in metropolitan Perth."

The Minister said the decision had the support of not only the Manjimup Shire Council, but the Manjimup Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Manjimup Visitor Centre and the South West Regional Tourism Association.

Minister's office - 6552 5600