A shopping hours revolution started at Arncliffe in 1978 when the Norman Ross Discounts store defied state government regulations and opened on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
Create a free account to read this article
or signup to continue reading
An estimated 25,000 shoppers flocked to the home furnishings and appliance outlet on Princes Highway in response to the move.
A group of anti-abortion campaigners took advantage of the big crowds to promote their message outside the store.
Under the law at that time, large retailers were banned from trading on the weekend past midday on Saturday.
The overwhelming public response prompted urgent meetings between Norman Ross managing director Gerry Harvey – now the chairman of Harvey Norman – Industrial Relations Minister Pat Hills and the Retail Traders Association.
Mr Harvey said the company would continue weekend trading regardless of fines.
“I am hoping some form of sanity will prevail,” Mr Harvey told the Leader before the meetings.
“We wish to trade with the law, equally and fairly with other trades.
“Public reaction to our trading last weekend was phenomenal – way beyond our expectations.
“It proves that the government must have a strong look at some form of extended trading hours.
“Whether it is Saturday or Sunday, it is not for me to say.
“As long as the government gets rid of its head-in-the-sand approach, we will be happy to go along with any reasonable approach.”
Ramsgate store Geoffrey Button was quick to follow the lead of Norman Ross, announcing it would open the following Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
“It is clear the people want weekend trading,” proprietor Ed Moran said.
The government eventually changed the law to allow extended weekend trading.
Gerry Harvey and business partner Ian Norman started the Arncliffe store in 1961 and, within 20 years, Norman Ross grew to have more than 40 stores nationally.
In 1982, the chain was sold to the Coles Group, which on-sold it to businessman Alan Bond for his retailing business Waltons.
The Norman Ross founders, who were quickly “shown the door”, started a new business Harvey Norman, which flourished, while Norman Ross floundered under the new owner.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
Every Friday we delve into the Leader archives to embark on some time travel.
We will bring you photographs of a news event from 57 years of Leader news coverage that you may or may not recall.
Flashback Friday submissions are also welcomed.
Feel free to share your recollections with us on our Facebook page @SutherlandShireStGeorgeNews or email leaderletters@fairfaxmedia.com.au
