Woolworths hours reduced in Mildura

WOOLWORTHS says a decision to reduce trading hours at both its Mildura supermarkets is “in response to changing shopping patterns”.

As some shoppers expressed frustration on social media, the company on Tuesday confirmed both stores would open an hour later in the morning and close two hours earlier at night.

The new hours of 7am to 10pm each day replace a 6am opening time and midnight closing time.

“We’re trialling new trading hours at our Mildura stores in response to changing shopping patterns,” a Woolworths spokesperson said.

“We’ll carefully monitor feedback from our customers as we do.

“Customers can rest assured we’ll continue to run with extended trading hours in the lead up to Christmas like we do every year.”

One Facebook user on the Sunraysia Daily page described it as a “stupid decision” ahead of the warmer months.

“I know I for one don’t do shopping until super late when it’s really hot,” she said.

“They’ve just opened up the market for the competition really.”

Others were less fussed by the change: “Workers deserve to be home at a reasonable time too, I don’t think it’s as bad as everyone is making it sound.”