Michael from Crestwood News is honouring his Great Grandfather and acknowledging Anzac Day with this photo on display at the counter this morning. While publishers require newsagents to be open today, some customers see this as being disrespectful. By placing the photo at the counter, Michael is identifying with the day and providing an opportunity for sharing his family story.
Are these the customers that are buying things in our stores on Anzac day?
We have had a constant stream of people today thanking us for opening including diggers, if people did not want to shop on certain holidays then there would be no need to open. We are not putting a gun to peoples heads, we are simply filling a need. That is why we are a free country, is that not what they fought for? Just because we are open does not mean we have no respect
I’ve had a couple of people question why we are open, I also had 2 people ring me yesterday ready to complain because they thought they were not going to get a paper delivered today.
Damned if you do…………
I agree with Luke. We have the TV on ABC which is showing the Qld march from Brisbane and later the Anzac Cove ceremony and customers have been commenting positivly while waiting to be served about the coverage which many seem not to realise is on.
Its official, with over 3 hours to go before we are due to close this is the best Anzac day trade we have ever had. Our customers have spoken with their feet and have supported us opening on mass.
Thanks Guys
It’s an interesting debate; i have had several discussions with customers who have questioned being open today; i simply tell them that both my grandfathers fought in 2 wars and that i respect them second to none. They also have questioned where the tradition of having to close comes from; they think it’s ridiculous.
Today has also been the best Anzac Day for sales, we beat last years figures by 10.00am. We are also open till 6.00pm.
We’re having a good day, too. Nobody has questioned our decision to work as usual, except to say they’re glad we did!
Interesting. This has certainly been our best Anzac day trade as well.
The people are making their position clear – they want retail trade on Anzac Day (and I suspect most other public holidays as well).
The laws surrounding restricted public holiday trading are antiquated and certainly do not reflect demand from consumers. The decision by the Office of Industrial Relations earlier this year that refused permission for a number of major retailers to open on Easter Sunday clearly demonstrates this.
While we admittedly forgot to order Australian flags and bears for Anzac Day the demand for these today is extraordinary. I would say the demand is as strong, if not stronger, than that seen on Australia Day.
Big Anzac Day here.
We had kept the Aussie Flag freebies left over from New Idea on Australia Day and gave them out for free to the kids who were going to the street March at 9am – their parents were pretty much as thrilled as the kid for being given a flag
Good Use of “Freebies” in this case !