Office supplies retailers could be next on ‘non-essential’ list.

 

While sales of home office supplies have increased markedly in line with the work-from-home directive, there’s a big question mark over whether or not retailers of those products are deemed an “essential service”.

 

Wesfarmers is currently lobbying authorities to keep its Bunnings and Officeworks stores open in Victoria and NSW open as state governments consider locking down all ‘non-essential’ retail. 

 

Both Officeworks and Bunnings have seen significant jumps in revenues during the past month as housebound customers work from home and undertake FIY projects in isolation. 

 

If the situation in Ireland is repeated in Australia, the retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses may only be offered on an “emergency call-out or delivery basis”.

 

The Irish government published an indicative list of what it considered to be essential retail outlets, which initially included “retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses”.

 

However, the list was later amended to stipulate that the retail sale of office products and services for individuals working from home and for businesses could only be offered on an “emergency call-out or delivery basis’’.

 

• Food and supplies. 
• Exercise. 
• Medical care. 
• Work and education.