Retailers are calling for changes to Easter trading regulations, citing the current rules as inconsistent and confusing for both businesses and consumers.

Current laws generally require most shops to close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, with exemptions for specific businesses, including service stations, dairies, and garden centres and in certain geographical areas.

Carolyn Young, Retail NZ CEO, says the existing law unfairly targets physical store owners in many parts of the country.

Young said that, given the challenging economic climate in which the retail sector has struggled for years, many working in the industry find it difficult to accept the lost chance to profit from public holiday trading.

“Retailers want to decide for themselves whether or not to open over Easter, rather than having the local council or government make that decision for them,” said Young. 

“There are no trading restrictions for online stores, and the current restrictions are not fair to consumers who might want to take advantage of the long weekend to go shopping and support their local retail sector,” she concluded.