"The conversation around Christmas trading laws needs to change," says menswear retailer Richard Miles.
Tuesday 18 December 2012, 1:57PM
By Lily & Louis
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The annual controversy around New Zealand’s trading laws is kicking off early this year, and aptly enough this particular Christmas story involves 3 Wise Men.
Richard Miles, Managing Director of NZ men’s shirt and accessories brand 3 Wise Men, believes this year it’s the conversation about holiday trading laws that needs to change.
“There’s always debate about the need for workers to have some days off, and respecting religious holidays, versus retailers wanting to open their doors to maximise sales. All of which are perfectly valid points of view but ignore the real story: internet shopping circumvents the laws and has altered the playing field completely.”
He says that just because stores are closed on Christmas Day, it doesn’t mean people aren’t shopping. “They’re simply going where they can indulge in a little post-Christmas lunch retail therapy, and that’s online.” It’s a trend that has exploded overseas, and New Zealanders are catching on fast.
On Christmas Day in the UK last year, there were 62.8 million visits to online retail sites.1 And in the US, Christmas Day online sales jumped a huge 16.4% over the year before.2
In New Zealand, Trademe figures show that more than 18,000 unwanted presents were listed on the site on Christmas Day last year.
“Whilst bricks and mortar stores are missing out, the clever local and international retailers will have a strong online offer this Christmas Day,” says Miles. “With the challenging retail environment, it’s an opportunity we can all ill-afford to ignore.”
Miles has noticed the new shopping habits with his own business.
“Our physical stores are closed on Christmas Day like everyone else has to be, and I fully support that. But our online shop is open, and we’re giving customers a jump on Boxing Day sales with some special online-only offers. We’re forecasting that Christmas Day will be the biggest yet in our 7-year online history.”
Source: 1. Experian 2. IBM US