1992: Coles commences 24 hour trading

The situation with COVID-19 has led to a relaxation of trading laws for supermarkets to allow for shoppers to purchase necessities for the home.

But Supermarkets have had the right to trade 24 hours for nearly three decades. Coles took the initiative in 1992 when their supermarkets at Lindfield and Ramsgate began offering 24 hour trading. It lasted for much of the 1990's. This was part of the deregulation of shopping hours, which benefited supermarkets more than other retailers. They could open early and trade late.

Busier supermarkets usually trade 6am-midnight each day of the week.

Below is an article from The Daily Telegraph Mirror in 1992.

Source: De Vine, B. 1992. "Shop, shop, shop 'til broad daylight". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, June 23: 3.