FACTBase Bulletin 8 - A Brief Overview of Perth's Retail Trade Landscape

This paper outlines the key characteristics of the retail trade sector in Western Australia and, to a limited extend, in Perth.

Key Findings

• The debate of the retail trading deregulation is often obscured by ideological and personal positions, rather than a broader appreciation of the economic, regulatory and socio-demographic environment in which the retail industry is set.
• There has been significant growth in the retail trade sector in WA in terms of output (7.0%), volume sales (6.6%), and employment (2.6%).
• In 1995, 2003, and 2009 there were major reviews held on the regulation of retail trading hours, yet were unsuccessful in adopting extended trading hours.
• There are correlation between those who votes no, and populations over 64 years, and people who prefer not to do their shopping on Sunday, as well as with yes voters, and being from households where both parents are employed.