Many major retailers will opt to close their doors this Easter Sunday, rather than try to navigate confusing trading laws.

Local councils were given the power to set their own Easter trading policies in August 2016.

Most have opted to allow shops to open, but major councils like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch have all refused.

First Retail Group managing director Chris Wilkinson told Kate Hawkesby that's put a lot of chain retailers off opening any stores.

"Some of the large ones like Farmers have said, 'no, we don't want open on Easter Sunday'. So in areas where they can open, they are unlikely to do so."

LISTEN ABOVE AS CHRIS WILKINSON SPEAKS TO KATE HAWKESBY