While the shops in some regions are open for business today, others are ruing a lost opportunity.

Many retailers forced to closed today hope they'll be able to trade next Easter.

Retail NZ says Easter trading rules differ from region to region, and it's not fair some business aren't allowed to open.

Spokesman Greg Harford says it's not fair some businesses aren't allowed to trade.

"We don't need government and councils telling us when we can and cant shop. Shop hours are best regulated by customer demand"

Mr Harford says the Government needs to amend or repeal the Shop Trading Hours Act.

"The whole thing is an utter mess, successive government have completely failed the retail sector by not sorting this out."