Sunday trading kicks off

Sunday trading kicks off at Rockingham Shopping Centre this week and customers have been encouraged to make the most of the ‘‘leisurely’’ atmosphere shopping on a Sunday promises.

Centre manager David Murray said he was encouraged more than 80 per cent of retailers said they would open their doors on Sundays.

‘‘I think as a regional centre it will be good for our retailers and shoppers will be out to get a good deal,’’ he said.

‘‘It will be good for the customer to shop at a leisurely pace and by Christmas I think it will be the norm for people to do their shopping on Sundays.

‘‘It’ll take some getting used to but there are good times ahead.’’

Tree of Life manager Tahnee Kellard said although she was not sure of what to expect, she was positive about Sunday trading.

‘‘We are excited because it does give us the extra day of trade,’’ she said.

‘‘The trial period went well.

Obviously it’s not as busy, but after a few weeks and months hopefully it should get more popular.’’

Rockingham Patisserie owner Peter Goodall does not share the sentiment and said Sunday trading would put extra pressure on the business.

‘‘We’ll give it a try but the problem is getting the staff,’’ he said.

‘‘There isn’t enough people out there looking for work and we have to train all new staff to work here and it takes a lot of time.

‘‘We don’t really think we’ll get any extra customers — people only have a certain amount of money to spend, so we’re dubious about it.’’