THERE are 131 days until Christmas, and the government has announced statewide Boxing Day trading is here to stay.
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But, not all businesses are convinced it’s a good idea.
DJ’s Foodie Bliss owner Donna Smith said she still wouldn’t open her doors on Boxing Day.
“It’s penalty rates and it’s Christmas.
“There’s got to be family time and in business you get so little family time,” she said.
“Come public holidays, the penalty rates are still high.
“It’s usually double time and a half.
“You can’t increase your prices to cover it.”
A permanent employee who earns $20 an hour could expect to be paid $45.18 on a public holiday.
For casual staff members the price is even higher, jumping from $25.10 to $50.20.
“It’s just too great a jump and in small business you just can’t make that up,” Ms Smith said.
“Your traffic flow is no greater, and when you own your own business you get such little time off that I’m going to be taking it.”
NSW Business Chamber regional manager Joe Townsend said the government’s “piecemeal policy” approach to Boxing Day meant that while businesses in Sydney’s CBD cash in, the regions miss out.
“Feedback from our small, medium and large retail members clearly showered there were big benefits to opening on Boxing Day and they absolutely want to be able to continue to trade,” Mr Townsend said.
“This change that will help regional business across the New England North West catch the Boxing Day buzz, providing more jobs and business opportunities.”
Mr Townsend said towns like Uralla would benefit, as families travel on the public holiday.
Uralla’s Caffee Gusto opened up last year and owner Ross Burnet said he’d make the call about this year close to the date.
“It depends on what else is available,” he said.
The Australian Retailer Association said last year Boxing Day sales came in at nearly $800 million in NSW.