New trading hours for Sydney shops

In an effort to provide growth for the Australian economy (and get those presents under the tree), Sydney shopping districts will be trading 24 hours a day in the lead-up to Christmas.

Selected retailers and shopping centres in the Sydney CBD, Parramatta, Bondi Junction, Penrith, Blacktown and Liverpool can now extend trading hours without requiring approval.

"This is a first for NSW and a great opportunity for retailers. This move should help NSW in continuing to be the growth engine for the Australian economy while other states are going through structural adjustments,” says Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman.

"We’re confident that this move will also support the ARA’s predicted pre-Christmas sales figure of $45 billion to go through retail tills before 24 December, 2014.”

The extended hours will run right up to Christmas Day.