Some NSW shops will be able to open around the clock in the weeks before Christmas, in a move the state government hopes will help boost sales.
About $10 billion was spent in the 30 days before Christmas last year and that figure could increase in 2015 when retailers are allowed to operate 24 hours a day from December 11 until Christmas Eve.
"Time-deprived mums and dads can buy their gifts and avoid the hassle of busy car parks and long queues," said NSW Planning Minister Rob Stokes.
But not everyone will be happy with the extended trading hours.
Unionists and religious leaders pleaded with the NSW parliament on Tuesday to "save Christmas" and vote against a bill that would allow Boxing Day trading across the state.
The bill is before the upper house and, if passed, will extend December 26 trading laws from designated zones in Sydney's central business district and the eastern suburbs to western Sydney and regional areas.
