The Christmas rush is here, but will your favourite stores be open when you need them most? With varying holiday hours, it’s important to plan ahead. Here’s what you can expect from retailers this season.
Christmas Day Closures: What to Expect
Westfield shopping centers have announced their Christmas trading hours, and they’re a mixed bag. The big one? All Westfield centers will be closed on Christmas Day. That means no late-night Christmas Eve shopping runs, and no Boxing Day bargains on Christmas Day itself. However, the rest of the holiday period is a bit more generous, with most Westfield locations opening with reduced hours.
If you’re looking for something specific, it’s best to check the individual center’s website for the exact timings. New Year’s Day, for example, will see some centers closed in certain states, while others may have limited hours. For many, Westfield is a go-to for holiday shopping, and even though you might have to adjust your schedule, at least you’ll still have the chance to grab those post-Christmas deals.
Coles and Woolworths
If you’re planning to do some grocery shopping for those Christmas feasts, Coles and Woolworths are the big players. Both supermarkets will be closed on Christmas Day, which means you’ll have to do your last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve, explains 9News. In fact, both will be open on Christmas Eve for extended hours, so stock up before the big day. On Boxing Day, however, things look a little more normal.
Most Coles stores will be open, but there are exceptions in South Australia, where metropolitan stores will remain closed, and only regional locations will be open from 8 pm to 8 am. Similarly, Woolworths will be open on Boxing Day across most states, though some locations in South Australia and the Northern Territory will remain shut. If you’re in those regions, you may want to check before heading out to avoid disappointment.
Kmart, Bunnings, and Other Major Retailers
Kmart and Bunnings are two major retailers that typically see a surge in traffic during the holiday season, and their hours reflect that demand. Both will be closed on Christmas Day, but they’ll be open for extended hours on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Bunnings, in particular, has varying hours across its locations, and trade centers will be closed until early January, so it’s worth double-checking if you’re planning to visit for those last-minute DIY needs.
Meanwhile, Big W will only close on Christmas Day, with all stores open for the rest of the season. If you’re in need of gifts or holiday decorations, this is a solid option, especially if you’re looking for something a bit more affordable.
Bottle Shops: BWS and Dan Murphy’s
For those who like to indulge during the holidays, both BWS and Dan Murphy’s will be open on Christmas Eve, but expect most locations to be closed on Christmas Day. The exceptions to this are stores in Victoria and Tasmania, which will remain open for those in need of last-minute wine or spirits. On Boxing Day, both BWS and Dan Murphy’s will reopen for regular trading hours, and they’ll be open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day as well, so you’re covered for all your festive needs.
