GRIFFITH businesses are being urged to encourage the Christmas rush by extending their operating hours.
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Extending Saturday operating hours and opening on a Sunday has been encouraged by Griffith businesses and the Business Chamber to allow residents to shop ‘til they drop.
Under the Arches owner Gaye Hazlett got the ball rolling in November with extending her trading to Sunday and said the response from the community has been encouraging.
“Everyone is busy at the moment and we need to help our community, farmers are out working all day and everyone else is working until at least five,” Ms Hazlett said.
“We need to stay open and provide that service and let people get the most out of Christmas shopping.
“Opening up on a Sunday is a way of providing that service but it also encourages the Christmas rush."
Ms Hazlett said everyone needs extra time at Christmas and encourages other retailers to extend their Christmas trading hours.
“The extra hours pay off, the customers can come in and enjoy shopping at their own leisure instead of being rushed during the week, which limits that Christmas stress,” Ms Hazlett said.
However some businesses are apprehensive about extending operating hours, especially those experiencing disappointing Christmas periods during previous years.
While a number of shops have already extended their hours Business Chamber President Paul Pierotti encourages more businesses to provide additional shopping hours if it is want customers want and support.
“If customers show support for extended shopping hours, I would strongly encourage retail stores to participate and provide that extra service, especially for Saturday trading,” Mr Pierotti said.
"It may be difficult for a number of small businesses especially with staffing the shop for additional hours or days.
“I know in previous years the demand may have been disappointing, but if extra hours is what customers want then it should definitely be supported.”
Mr Pierotti reminded residents a number of local businesses also have their own online stores, which can be accessed at all hours.