Monday, 21 November 2022

SYDNEY RETAILING: Midnight Shopping (1987)

Pitt Street Mall September 25 1987 The Sun 5

Source: Anon. 1987. "Midnight Mall A Smash Hit". The Sun, September 25:5.

In 2022, its possible for Sydneysiders to shop very late in the evening, though the offerings are limited. Selected Woolworths and Coles Supermarkets can trade until midnight. Several Kmart stores trade 24 hours. 

It has aided those who work outside of normal business hours or shift workers or those in desparate need of something and cannot wait until the following morning.

Pitt Street Mall September 22 1987 daily mirror 15 

Source: Anon. 1987. "Midnight Bonanza" The Daily Mirror, September 22: 15.

Thirty five years ago, Sydney took a bold step in retail trading hours when for the first time, retailers were allowed to trade until midnight.

It was a one-off event - 24 September 1987. Retailers in the Pitt Street Mall were allowed to trade until midnight that evening as it was the first thursday evening of trading since the mall's opening on 19 September 1987.

Normally on a Thursday evening, retailers would close at 9pm, which meant that shoppers could shop an extra three hours.

And shoppers in the Pitt Street Mall were also treated to live entertainment.

Pitt Street Mall opens September 25 1987 daily telegraph

Source: Anon. 1987. "Pitt St Mall jam-packed on party night". The Daily Telegraph, September 25: page unknown.

The night was a great success. Shoppers relished the opportunity for the extra late trading and entertainment. Retailers were impressed. Grace Bros' City Store recorded a single day trading record with over $1 million in sales, The Mid-City Centre reported that their daily sales were up 40%.

Pitt Street Mall September 25 1987 daily mirror 8

Source: Phillips, B. 1987. "It's Mall Mania!". The Daily Mirror, September 25: 8.

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