Sanctity or souvenirs?
A BATTLE is under way for the soul of the German shopper. Europe's biggest economy is also its most restrictive regulator of shops' opening hours. Years of anguished debate have produced one small reform: in 1996, opening was extended until 8pm on weekdays and 4pm on Saturdays. But shopdoors have to remain firmly closed on Sundays, except at a small group of exempted outlets, such as florists, bakeries and petrol stations. Could further deregulation be around the corner?
This article appeared in the Business section of the print edition under the headline “Sanctity or souvenirs?”
From the August 7th 1999 edition
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