The history of New Zealand shop trading hours
International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management
ISSN: 0959-0552
Article publication date: 22 June 2010
Abstract
Purpose
This historical narrative aims to analyse the changes in shop trading hour laws in New Zealand, to explore the reasons behind the acceptance of Sunday trading. It compares New Zealand's experience with the USA and the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
A historical methodology was used in this paper. Historical methods used to collect the data which form this historical narrative include document analysis, literature reviews and in‐depth interviews.
Findings
The narrative uncovers that New Zealand more closely mirrors the experience of the UK with Sunday trading laws, however, less emphasis on religious aspects of the law may have contributed to New Zealand's acceptance of the law before the UK.
Research limitations/implications
The historical narrative focuses on New Zealand with a less in‐depth discussion of the USA and the UK. Further historical narratives into these other countries would allow for a deeper comparison between countries.
Originality/value
Sunday trading is seen as out of the ordinary in many parts of the world and New Zealand was one of the earliest countries to introduce it. This paper explores how New Zealand came to introduce Sunday trading after the USA, but before its forebear – the UK.
Keywords
Citation
Kennedy, A. (2010), "The history of New Zealand shop trading hours", International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, Vol. 38 No. 8, pp. 625-640. https://doi.org/10.1108/09590551011057444
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited