New push for Bunbury 24hr shopping

Bunbury is on the verge of around-the-clock shopping following a push from the city's peak business group and support from council staff.

Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and Industries chief executive officer Ray Philp said the modern shopper expected the convenience of extended trading and admitted the move had been sparked by the advent of late night shopping at Eaton Fair - courtesy of the Dardanup Shire Council's deregulated shopping hours.

Bunbury City Council will next Tuesday debate a motion to support full deregulation within Bunbury and lobby Commerce Minister Michael Mischin, who has the final say on shopping hours across the State.

Council staff recommended councillors adopt the motion according to Tuesday's Council briefing agenda.

Mr Philp told the Bunbury Herald traders would have flexibility to open when they wanted - including 24 hours - if the trading hours were approved.

"I couldn't imagine anybody seeing the benefit of going 24/7 but in saying that, certainly if there was a business case and demand there, then they could do it," he said.

He said the Bunbury CBD would be able to have late night trading at supermarkets if the move was approved. Supermarkets at Eaton Fair open late every day while Kmart has 24-hour trading.

"You would expect the flexibility of longer hours would be more attractive to a food shop," Mr Philp said.

"It would be interesting to see how many people do shop after hours.

"It is all about convenience at the end of the day and from the business point of view it is the economics of it."

Mr Philp did not expect a similar level of backlash from traders to around-the-clock shopping hours that was experienced after Bunbury allowed seven-day trading in 2009.

"I think what is different now is you have that online trading that you probably didn't have to the extent when they were talking about seven-day trading," he said.

"Things are different and customer's expectations are higher.

Because we have seven-day trading it has been proven that in different circumstances customers want extended hours."

Bunbury City Council sought feedback last year on the issue but received little response.

The council said that 31 out of 43 responses were supportive of the idea.

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