Australia’s largest retail representative body, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) chief executive Paul Zahra said the mood was positive, with excited shoppers, and mostly compliant and respectful behaviour.
“It’s been a fantastic start. Naturally there were a few teething problems with vaccine certification, with some customers still unsure how to access their certificate. However, most people remained patient,” he said.
“It’s taken enormous effort on the part of NSW government and businesses to reach this milestone – and we can be proud of the results.”
Mr Zahra said the shopping activities in the coming weeks will play a big role in this year’s financial outcomes for retailers.
“Every dollar spent in this lead-up to the all-important Christmas trading period works twice as hard for retailers as it’s the most critical and profitable trading period of the year for many,” he said.
“We know there is a lot of supressed shopping demand and the next few weeks will be amongst the most important for many small businesses in particular, who are fighting for survival after the lengthy 100-day lockdown.”
