Key Takeaways
- Christmas Day is one of four restricted trading days in New Zealand, with most retail shops closed.
- Restaurants, dairies, and fruit stores are allowed to stay open, but may apply a 15 percent public holiday surcharge.
- Some business owners, like Suhail Mohammed, choose not to charge a holiday surcharge due to economic concerns.
- Last-minute shoppers face limited options, with some items being more expensive than usual.
- Business owners like Mohammad Uddin are affected by the closures, making it difficult to prepare for staff and customers.
Introduction to Christmas Day in Auckland
On Christmas Day, the city centre of Auckland is unusually quiet, with most restaurants and shops closed for the holiday. However, some business owners like Suhail Mohammed, who runs a burger eatery, see this as an opportunity to attract more customers due to the reduced competition. Mohammed’s shop is one of the few establishments open on Christmas Day, and he hopes to capitalize on the lack of options for hungry tourists and locals. Despite his optimism, business has been slow so far, with only 20 customers visiting his shop in the morning. Mohammed remains hopeful that more people will come in the evening, but admits that business was better last Christmas Day.
Restricted Trading Days in New Zealand
Christmas Day is one of four restricted trading days in New Zealand, which means that almost all retail shops are required to close. This law is in place to allow workers to spend time with their families and friends during the holiday season. However, some businesses like restaurants, dairies, and fruit stores are exempt from this rule and are allowed to stay open. These businesses may choose to apply a 15 percent public holiday surcharge to cover the extra costs of operating on a holiday. Mohammed has decided not to charge this surcharge, citing the already high cost of living in New Zealand and the economic pressures faced by his customers.
The Impact on Last-Minute Shoppers
The restricted trading days can be frustrating for last-minute shoppers who are looking for specific items. Mohammad Uddin, a business owner at a backpacker hostel, found himself facing limited options when trying to prepare a Christmas dinner for his staff. Uddin needed to buy some drinks, but the nearby convenience store was charging three times more than the supermarket. Additionally, he was unable to find all the items he needed, making it difficult to plan a festive meal for his staff. This experience highlights the challenges faced by business owners and individuals who need to make last-minute purchases on Christmas Day.
The Economic Considerations
The decision to charge a public holiday surcharge is a complex one, with business owners needing to balance their own economic needs with the concerns of their customers. Mohammed’s decision not to charge the surcharge is driven by his awareness of the economic pressures faced by his customers. With the cost of living already high in New Zealand, Mohammed believes that charging extra would be unfair to his customers. This approach may help to attract more customers to his shop, but it also means that he will need to absorb the extra costs of operating on a holiday. As the day goes on, it will be interesting to see how Mohammed’s decision affects his business and whether he is able to attract more customers to his shop.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Christmas Day in Auckland is a unique experience, with the city centre being unusually quiet due to the restricted trading days. Business owners like Suhail Mohammed and Mohammad Uddin are affected by the closures, but are finding ways to adapt and make the most of the situation. While the restricted trading days can be frustrating for last-minute shoppers, they also provide an opportunity for businesses to shine and attract more customers. As the day comes to a close, it will be interesting to see how the businesses that are open on Christmas Day fare and whether they are able to make the most of the holiday season.
