Germany debates extending Sunday opening hours for bakeries and shops

The federal government plans to allow bakeries and pastry shops to work up to eight hours on Sundays and public holidays starting 1 January 2027, part of the Merz‑government’s reform package. The change would lift the current three‑hour limit that many traditional bakers consider a competitive disadvantage.

Trade associations such as the German Retail Association (HDE) and the Textile‑Shoes‑Leather Goods Association (BTE) are pressing for a broader liberalisation that would let retail stores open more frequently on Sundays. Political figures from the CDU and FDP, including tourism coordinator Christoph Ploß, have voiced support, and the FDP is using the issue in its NRW state‑election campaign.

The Verdi trade union and the social association SoVD oppose the move, arguing that Sunday is the only reliably planned rest day for employees and that longer hours would strain families and favour large chains. A YouGov poll of 4 022 adults shows a divided public: 43 % favour more frequent Sunday openings, 50 % reject them, with younger men more supportive than older women.

German states retain authority over shop‑opening times; some, like Schleswig‑Holstein and Thuringia, have already eased restrictions for small supermarkets or 24‑hour stores. The debate is framed against a European backdrop where countries range from full liberalisation (Sweden, Netherlands) to strict bans (Poland, Austria).