German retailers demand full Sunday opening after government eases bakery hours

Government's limited reform

Last week, Germany's black-red coalition announced plans to allow bakeries, pastry shops, and public libraries to open longer on Sundays starting 1 January 2027. Under the draft from the federal labour ministry, bakeries would be permitted up to eight hours of Sunday operation, while libraries could open for up to six hours. The move was welcomed by Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer and the German Library Association.

Retailers' push for full liberalisation

The announcement prompted retail associations to demand a complete liberalisation of Sunday trading for all shops. Stefan Genth, chief executive of the German Retail Association (HDE), told Bild newspaper that shopping is also a leisure experience and that Sunday openings would keep city centres attractive and lively. Nils Busch-Petersen, managing director of the Berlin-Brandenburg retail association, argued that the current ban on selling a shirt on Sunday is "from a bygone era in the online age." He said the decision should be left to merchants and customers. René Glaser, head of the Saxony retail association, called for urgent legal reform, saying current rules are opaque and make it nearly impossible for municipalities to grant legally secure permits.

Shopping is also a leisure experience. That's why we are campaigning for Sunday openings in retail, to keep city centres attractive and lively.

Anyone who sells a shirt on a Sunday in Germany is committing a criminal offence. That is from a bygone era in the online age.

Opposition from unions and churches

The trade union ver.di firmly rejected the proposals, warning that an expansion of Sunday work would erode Sunday premium pay and undermine the day of rest. The German Trade Union Federation (DGB) in North Rhine-Westphalia pointed to the Basic Law, which protects Sundays and public holidays as days of rest and spiritual elevation. Churches also voiced opposition, stressing the importance of Sunday for family, friendships, and volunteering, not just religious observance.

Economist's view

Stefan Kooths of the Kiel Institute for the World Economy said he did not expect noticeable growth effects from Sunday openings, but argued it would send a signal that the state is placing fewer regulatory obstacles in the way of economic activity.

It would be a sign that the state is placing fewer regulatory obstacles in the way of economic activity.

Legal patchwork

Currently, Sunday trading rules vary by state. In Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, bakeries may operate for three hours on Sundays for production and delivery; in North Rhine-Westphalia the limit is five hours. Many businesses exploit a loophole by operating a café area, which falls under hospitality law and allows more flexibility. The retail associations argue that a uniform federal law is needed.