Parliament votes in favour of liberation of store opening hours

Malls and supermarkets happy with Sunday opening; speciality retailers and sales staff still suspicious

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A long-running source of debate and deliberation was brought to a formal conclusion on Wednesday, when the Finnish Parliament passed a bill according to which stores would be able to remain open on Sundays all year around, with the exception of public holidays.
     
True to form, the decision caused splits both in the government parties and in the main opposition party SDP. The parties mainly in favour of the decision included the National Coalition Party, the Centre Party, and the Swedish People’s Party.
      In fact four members of the Centre Party, one from the National Coalition Party, three from the Greens, and one MP from the Swedish People’s Party voted against the bill.
      The Christian Democrats, the True Finns, and the Left Alliance were also largely against the bill. The Social Democrats were split 50-50, with 10 MPs being absent.
     
Smaller stores with a floor-area of 400 square metres or less can trade around the clock if they wish on weekdays and at regular weekends, with the exception of two-day church holidays when they can be open only on the second day for four hours in the afternoon.
     
Larger shops, hairdressing salons, and barber shops will be able to remain open on Sundays all year around from 12.00 to 18.00, and during the Christmas season from 12.00 to 21.00. On church holidays they are to be closed. On weekdays these outlets can be open from 7.00 to 21.00, on Saturdays from 7.00 to 18.00.
      As expected, the decision was welcomed by large supermarkets and shopping centres in particular.
      The sales staff’s interest group Service Union United PAM chairwoman Ann Selin is also satisfied with the fact that the bill is essentially in line with the contract agreed by the different sides of the branch.
     
However, the specialty shops are disappointed with the decision to allow all stores to be open on Sundays all year around.
      Managing director Tiina Oksala of Finland's Speciality Goods Retailers' Association says that the liberation of store opening hours is not likely to increase sales. On the contrary, it will add to the running costs for speciality shops in particular, where labour costs are considerable in proportion to sales.
     
At the same time, speciality shops within shopping centres are satisfied with the fact that they will not be actually forced to remain open all week round, unless it can be demonstrated that it is imperative and reasonable.
      The opinions of customers were also split. Some found it convenient that all shops would remain open on Sundays, while others were worried about the future of small shops.
      The new relaxed opening hours are to come into effect in December.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Sunday opening to be permitted year round from 2010 (22.5.2009)
  Supermarket chains satisfied, but specialty shops disappointed with freeing of opening hours (29.5.2009)

Helsingin Sanomat