Hardware Shops Welcome New Tack
The Age
Saturday December 27, 2003
Back in June, Bunnings hardware managing director Peter Davis was angrily perusing a list of rival traders he believed had opened their doors on Easter Sunday in breach of Victorian shop-trading laws.
A market research company had prepared the list for Bunnings, and Bunnings was preparing to give it to police. The chain expected police to act against traders who had broken the law.
But celebrating Boxing Day yesterday, dobbing in the competitors was the last thing on Mr Davis's mind. News that all of Bunnings' 39 Victorian stores would be allowed to open on Easter Sunday next year had lifted his mood.
Mr Davis said yesterday that the Government's shop trading ban - which kept all but a handful of Bunnings' Victorian outlets closed on Easter Sunday 2003 - had lost the company millions of dollars of revenue.
The move to allow hardware stores to open on Easter Sunday was fantastic, he said. Demand for hardware products over Easter was significant, and the nature of these products separated them from other stores' offerings, he said.
The Easter trading issue had not been handled well, he said. ``We have ended up with a large number of changes over a long period of time, a lot of angst and concern, which probably should never have occurred," he said.
A Bunnings rival, Torquay Mitre 10's owner and manager, Evan Crick, said yesterday he was happy with the new hardware decision.
``Last year was absolutely ludicrous, because it was confusing," he said: for staff, who did not know if the store would open, and for customers.
Mr Crick's shop was allowed to open last year under a clause allowing certain shops with 20 or fewer staff to open. Mr Crick expected to do a roaring trade on the day, but sales were well below expectations.
He said many customers stayed away because they were confused by the law, and believed his store would be shut.
THE STORY SO FAR
February 11, 2003
Small Business Minister Marsha Thomson says most shops will have to close on Easter Sunday.
February 13
Jeff Kennett accuses Labor of pandering to the unions.
April 2
Retailers in at least 12 country shires granted an exemption.
April 10
Legislation rushed through to allow large petrol stations and pharmacies to open.
April 20, Easter Sunday
Melbourne CBD nearly empty.
June 6
Police Minister says stores found in breach won't be prosecuted.
June 12
Bunnings to give police a list of rival traders and other businesses it believes opened in breach.
November 5
New legislation to allow petrol stations, restaurants, cafes, takeaway food outlets and video stores to open.
© 2003 The Age
