Germany considers easing Sunday retail restrictions

Sunday shopping retail reform German economy labor laws constitutional protection

The German government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, is considering easing long-standing restrictions on Sunday retail operations to stimulate consumption and support a stagnating economy. A draft proposal from the Ministry of Labour suggests that starting January 1, 2027, bakeries and confectioneries could operate for up to eight hours on Sundays, while libraries could remain open for up to six hours.

This move faces significant legal and social hurdles. Sunday is constitutionally protected in Germany as a day of rest and “spiritual elevation,” a status dating back to 1919 that may require constitutional amendments to change. Trade unions and religious institutions have expressed strong opposition, arguing that Sunday is essential for family time and worker rest.

The German Retail Federation (HDE) has criticized the proposal as insufficient, advocating for shops to be open for 10 to 12 Sundays per year to keep city centers vibrant. Economists remain divided; while some suggest liberalization could boost the economy and help physical stores compete with online retailers, others warn of labor shortages in rural areas and increased operational costs for businesses.

Entities

Friedrich Merz · German Ministry of Labour · German Retail Federation · Germany · HDE · Ifo Institute · Ministry of Labour

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] The proposal suggests bakeries and confectioneries could work until 8:00 AM on Sundays starting January 1, 2027. glas-slavonije.hr · www.telegram.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The Ministry of Labour has proposed a draft to ease Sunday working rules. glas-slavonije.hr · www.telegram.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The German Retail Federation (HDE) advocates for 10 to 12 working Sundays annually at a national level. glas-slavonije.hr · www.telegram.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The proposal suggests libraries could work until 6:00 AM on Sundays starting January 1, 2027. glas-slavonije.hr · www.telegram.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr
[● 4 SOURCES] The IFO Institute suggests there is no strong economic basis for restricting working hours. glas-slavonije.hr · www.telegram.hr · vijesti.hrt.hr · www.index.hr