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Why do shops in Australia close at 5pm? Is it not too early? Is it in line with most other Western countries?
Well, as someone who recently moved to Australia (Sydney) from Canada, I can’t tell you why (actually I’m here cos I have the same question) but I can tell you it’s not in line with Canada 😛 I’m from a city about 1/4 (or less) the size of Sydney, and the shops there are open until at least 9 pm. So, why do shops in Australia close at 5 pm? Is it not too early? Is it in line with most other Western countries?
Shopping hours in Australia
Shopping hours in Australia vary from state to state, with some states having more liberal trading hours than others. In New South Wales, for example, shops must close at 5 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and at 4 pm on Sundays. In Victoria, shops can stay open until 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, while in Queensland, shops can stay open until 9 pm on Fridays.
Historical reasons
The early closing times of shops in Australia can be traced back to the 19th century. In the 1800s, most people worked in agriculture, and shops closed early to allow farmers to get home before dark. Later, in the 20th century, shops closed early to allow workers to get home in time for dinner.
The impact of Modern Technology
In recent years, there has been a push to extend shopping hours in Australia. The rise of online shopping has made it easier for people to shop outside of traditional business hours, and many retailers have responded by opening later and closing later. However, there are still many barriers to extending shopping hours in Australia, including concerns about the impact on small businesses and the need to balance work and family life.
See Related: What are the areas with Indian community in Sydney?
Comparison with other Western countries
When it comes to shopping hours, Australia is not in line with most other Western countries. In the United States, for example, many shops are open until 9 pm or later, and some are open 24 hours a day. In Canada, shops are typically open until 9 pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 6 pm on Sundays.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the early closing times of shops in Australia can be traced back to historical reasons, and while there has been a push to extend shopping hours in recent years, there are still shops that close early.
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