Key Takeaways
- Anzac Day 2025 falls on a Saturday, granting Perth residents a Monday public holiday.
- Western Australia’s Trading Hours Act exempts small retailers, pharmacies, hardware stores, and some liquor outlets from the compulsory closure that applies to large general retailers.
- Major supermarket chains (Coles, Woolworths) will be closed on Saturday but resume normal trading on Monday with reduced hours (8 am‑6 pm).
- IGAs remain open on Saturday under holiday hours; shoppers should verify local times.
- Discount department stores (Kmart, Big W) are closed Saturday, open Monday with adjusted hours.
- Bunnings hardware stores are exempt and will trade Saturday from 12 pm‑7 pm (check local variations).
- Liquor retailers have mixed arrangements: BWS opens select stores for limited hours; Liquorland operates 12 pm‑6 pm at chosen locations.
- Pharmacies (Chemist Warehouse, Priceline) stay open Saturday with adjusted holiday hours.
- Electronics and office‑supply retailers (JB Hi-Fi, Officeworks) follow the major‑retailer rule: closed Saturday, open Monday with altered hours.
- For last‑minute needs, verify each store’s specific holiday schedule or consider supporting independent shops that face no trading restrictions.
Overview of Anzac Day 2025 in Western Australia
Anzac Day is observed on 25 April each year to honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps who served and died in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations. In 2025 the date lands on a Saturday, which triggers the standard Western Australian practice of moving the public holiday to the following Monday. Consequently, Perth locals enjoy a long weekend: Saturday 25 April (Anzac Day itself), Sunday 26 April, and Monday 27 April (the observed holiday). This arrangement affects retail trading rules, as the state’s Trading Hours Act 1987 distinguishes between “general retailers” and businesses that qualify for exemptions.
Retail Trading Regulations in WA on Public Holidays
Under the Trading Hours Act, large general retailers—defined as businesses with a floor area exceeding 1,000 square metres and belonging to certain categories (supermarkets, department stores, hardware chains, etc.)—must close on specified public holidays unless they obtain an exemption. Small retailers (those under the threshold) are not subject to these restrictions and may open as they choose. Additionally, specific sectors such as pharmacies, liquor stores (subject to separate liquor licensing limits), and hardware stores often receive automatic exemptions or are permitted to trade under holiday hours. Understanding these nuances explains why some shops remain open on Anzac Day Saturday while large chains shut their doors.
Major Supermarket Chains: Coles and Woolworths
Both Coles and Woolworths adhere to the general‑retailer rule and will be closed across Perth on Saturday 25 April for Anzac Day. Shoppers planning a weekend grocery run will need to complete their purchases either on Friday 24 April or wait until Monday 27 April. On the observed holiday, both chains will reopen but operate on reduced hours: 8 am to 6 pm, rather than their usual 7 am‑9 pm schedule. Customers are advised to check the individual store’s website or app for any localized variations, especially in suburban or regional outlets that may adopt slightly different timetables.
IGA: A Reliable Alternative for Saturday Shopping
Unlike the national chains, IGA stores are classified as small retailers and therefore face no mandatory closure on Anzac Day. Consequently, most IGA locations in Perth will remain open on Saturday, trading under holiday hours that may differ from their regular schedule. The exact opening times can vary by suburb, so patrons are encouraged to phone ahead or consult the IGA store locator for precise details. This flexibility makes IGA a convenient option for last‑minute hosts who need fresh produce, pantry staples, or specialty items before the weekend’s commemorations.
Discount Department Stores: Kmart and Big W
Kmart and Big W follow the same trading‑hour restrictions as the major supermarkets. Accordingly, both retailers will close their Perth stores on Saturday 25 April. They will resume business on Monday 27 April, though with adjusted opening times that may differ from the standard 8 am‑9 pm window. Shoppers seeking discounted homewares, clothing, or electronics should verify the specific holiday hours for their local outlet, as some stores may open later or close earlier than usual on the public holiday.
Hardware and Home‑Improvement: Bunnings Exemption
Bunnings Warehouse enjoys an exemption from the general‑retailer closure requirement, allowing it to remain open on Anzac Day Saturday. Most Bunnings outlets in Perth will operate from 12 pm to 7 pm, providing a window for DIY enthusiasts to tackle weekend projects, purchase building supplies, or gather garden materials. As holiday hours can vary slightly between locations—particularly in larger regional stores—customers should verify the exact timing for their nearest Bunnings before heading out.
Liquor Retailers: Selective Opening Hours
Liquor sales in Western Australia are governed by both the Trading Hours Act and the Liquor Control Act, which together impose tighter limits on Anzac Day.
- BWS (owned by Woolworths Group) will open a selection of stores on Saturday, but only for limited hours. The specific stores and their opening times are not uniform across the metro area, so patrons should check the BWS website or app for the nearest participating outlet. Notably, the Balcatta, Subiaco, Karrinyup, Mirrabooka, and Murray Street locations will remain closed.
- Liquorland will also be open on Saturday, but exclusively from 12 pm to 6 pm at selected stores. Outside this window, the bottle shop will be closed.
Both chains will revert to adjusted hours on Monday 27 April, and customers are encouraged to confirm local schedules to avoid unnecessary trips.
Pharmacies and Health Retailers: Continued Access
Pharmacies are exempt from the mandatory closure, ensuring that essential health services remain accessible on Anzac Day.
- Chemist Warehouse will stay open across Perth on Saturday, though trading under holiday hours that may differ from the standard 8 am‑9 pm schedule. Shoppers should verify the exact timing for their local branch.
- Priceline similarly plans to operate on Saturday, with most stores maintaining normal hours while some adopt holiday‑adjusted timetables.
Both retailers will maintain regular operations on Monday, providing continuity for prescription fillings, over‑the‑counter medicines, and personal‑care products.
Electronics and Office Supplies: JB Hi‑Fi and Officeworks
JB Hi‑Fi and Officeworks fall under the general‑retailer category and will therefore be closed on Saturday 25 April for Anzac Day. They will reopen on Monday 27 April, albeit with adjusted opening hours that may vary by location. Customers looking to purchase gadgets, computers, or office supplies should plan their visits for either Friday or Monday, and consult each retailer’s store locator for precise holiday timing.
Practical Advice for Perth Shoppers
Given the patchwork of openings and closures, a few strategies can help residents navigate the Anzac Day weekend smoothly:
- Plan Ahead: Complete major grocery and household shopping on Friday 24 April to avoid reliance on Saturday‑only stores.
- Check Local Listings: Use each retailer’s website, mobile app, or a quick phone call to confirm holiday hours, as variations are common even within the same brand.
- Leverage Exempt Small Shops: Independent grocers, boutique pharmacies, and local hardware stores face no restrictions and may offer personalized service or unique products.
- Consider Timing: For those who need alcohol or specialty foods, aim to visit liquor stores early in the permitted window (e.g., before 2 pm) to ensure availability.
- Respect the Commemoration: While many businesses remain open, remember that Anzac Day is a day of reflection. Some patrons may choose to limit shopping outings to honour the occasion, attending dawn services or commemorative events instead.
By combining foresight with a flexible approach, Perth residents can enjoy the long weekend while still meeting their essential needs.
Conclusion: Balancing Commerce and Commemoration
The 2025 Anzac Day long weekend presents a distinctive retail landscape in Western Australia. Large general retailers observe the mandated closure on Saturday, while a range of exempt businesses—small grocers, pharmacies, hardware stores, and selectively opened liquor outlets—continue to serve the community. Understanding the rationale behind these exemptions, rooted in both consumer‑need considerations and the desire to preserve the day’s solemn character, enables shoppers to make informed decisions. Whether sourcing last‑minute ingredients at an IGA, picking up tools at Bunnings, or filling a prescription at Chemist Warehouse, locals have ample options to navigate the weekend responsibly. Ultimately, the interplay of regulated closures and voluntary openings reflects Western Australia’s effort to respect the historic significance of Anzac Day while accommodating the practical realities of modern life.