The Australian Retailers Association is encouraging consumers in Greater Sydney to limit their shopping movements and 'shop with purpose' as lockdowns continue.
The advice comes as the choice to close stores remains up to retailers themselves, despite NSW recording 112 locally acquired COVID cases to 8pm last night.
Instead, the NSW government introduced a 'no browsing in retail' rule on Friday, urging those going out for essential shopping to ensure the trip is quick and decisive.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra added that consumers should also explore online options including click and collect and home delivery.
"We appreciate there’s a fair bit of confusion around the NSW Government’s health advice on essential shopping, given there has been no directive on stores having to close.
"The facts are that retail can still open and people can go to stores for the goods and services they need.
"But if you do need to go to the shops, get in and get out without delay – this is not a time for browsing or socialising.
"Most retailers have a digital option, so if there are things you would normally buy in stores, consider click and collect, shop online and check out the delivery options that are available.
"Every dollar you spend keeps someone in a job - it doesn’t matter if that purchase is made in a store or over the internet," he said.
The advice follows the Shopping Centre Council of Australia's (SCCA) reiteration of its offer to help the government with the vaccine rollout.
"The shopping centre sector has previously made clear its willingness to partner with governments to support the vaccine rollout, and we reiterate this offer again," SCCA chairman and CEO of Scentre Group Peter Allen said.
"Shopping centres provide safe and convenient locations for the community, with approximately nine out of ten people living within a 20km radius of an SCCA owned shopping centre, and over 70% of the population within 5km.
"As retail is Australia’s largest private sector employer, shopping centres are also substantial employment hubs and could provide a safe vaccination location for retail and other workers at each centre," he said.