The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) said it respects the decision of the federal government to honour the passing of Queen Elizabeth II with a one-off public holiday and that it’s now up to the states and territories to clarify trading conditions for Thursday, 22 September.
“Many in our community, including retailers and their staff, will want to honour and mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. We are confident retailers will abide respectfully by the government’s decision and in sympathy to the sensitivities of many of their customers,” said ARA chief executive Paul Zahra.
“Nevertheless, this event will create some complications for businesses with store closures and staff scheduling challenges, with many rosters set up weeks in advance. There will also be a small but unexpected loss of trade, and additional staffing costs, which may impact cashflows for small businesses.
“Store opening and closing directions are typically established by the states and territories, and we look forward to their direction so retailers can plan accordingly.”
Tim Piper, the Victorian head of the Australian Industry Group, said the extra public holiday would cause complications in Victoria, even as it comes just before the AFL Grand Final weekend.
“It’ll be quite different for businesses because we weren’t expecting it, and [they are] literally being given 10 days’ notice and that will make a difference to what they’re able to manufacture,” he said.
“At the moment, particularly, the food companies are getting into a rhythm for what they’re going to be doing in the lead-up to Christmas.”
He said businesses were in a lose-lose situation.
“If businesses want to continue working on that day, then they’re obviously going to pay public holiday rates to keep people working, and many of them will have to do that,” he said.
“So obviously there will be an increase in costs to business.
“Or if they’re not open, then they’ll lose that business day.”
The CEO of Council of Small Businesses Organisations Australia, Alexi Boyd, said “what we’re hearing form our members, some are welcoming the holiday and others will struggle.”
Ms Boyd said appointment-based businesses, like allied health and hairdressing, would have to decide whether to move bookings or run at a loss because of increased costs to staffing.
“Those reliant of tight supply chains for daily stock are particularly concerned,” she said, as “parts of the supply chain may not be operating”.
