SHOPPERS on the Southern Downs will be able to shop on the Boxing Day public holiday following a decision by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.

The QIRC has allowed a one-off ammendment to regional Queensland's trading hours for the Boxing Day public holiday on Monday, December 28.

The decision means major retailers in Warwick, Stanthorpe and Goondiwindi won't be denied the ability to trade on the day.

The National Retail Association (NRA) in September launched a bid for a special exemption, to prevent residents on the Southern Downs from having to brave the crush in order to stock up on groceries ahead of a four-day closure.

NRA CEO Trevor Evans said there was always extremely high levels of consumer demand on Christmas Eve, and that the regions were expecting the same on Tuesday December 29.

"That level of demand brings with it enormous congestion both inside and outside stores for shoppers, staff, and motorists, and creates unnecessary delays and inconvenience," Mr Evans said.

Mr Evans praised the QIRC for its decision, which would also help to reduce the high level of spoilage experienced by retailers during closures of any more than two days.

"Long closures make it unworkable for certain perishable items that carry limited shelf life and make it difficult for supermarket managers to ensure the shelves are stocked for the onslaught of customers when the shops reopen," he said.

"It's also good news for non-food stores and regional shopping centres, who will now be in a better position to cater to consumers who may have otherwise headed to larger town centres for post-Christmas sales, simply because their own stores were closed."