This regulation applies to retail premises over 3,000 sq ft [280 sq m], affecting plans for extended Christmas Eve opening hours, as seen in the rejected request by Marks and Spencer in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area.
Shoppers at the Abbey Centre and other locations have already started their Christmas shopping, with many not concerned about the limited hours. Some, like Marcus Taggart, plan to complete their shopping early to avoid last-minute stress, while others, such as Padraig McKee, traditionally shop on Christmas Eve and may face challenges this year due to the restricted hours.
The sentiment among shoppers varies, with some scaling back on spending due to the expensive year, while others plan to maintain or increase their festive spending. Some shoppers, like Andrew Weir, view Christmas as overly commercialized and prefer simple celebrations.
Retailers are adapting to these challenges, with smaller stores like Born And Bred in Belfast planning to open earlier on Christmas Eve. Retail NI chief executive Glyn Roberts believes the current Sunday trading laws, which limit larger retailers' hours, are a fair compromise and anticipates no major problems this Christmas.