Marcel Fratzscher, the President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), has publicly advocated for a relaxation of current Sunday store opening regulations, stating that a “limited approval” would be beneficial. According to his comments to the “Rheinische Post” (Tuesday edition), such flexibility could strengthen brick-and-mortar retail outlets against digital competition while simultaneously injecting life back into city centers.
Fratzscher emphasized that smaller businesses specifically require this increased freedom of operation to effectively compete with large online platforms. Furthermore, he suggested that allowing Sunday openings could enhance social inclusion by transforming town centers into stronger hubs for public interaction and community life again.
However, he made it clear that any change must not come at the expense of employees. The DIW President insisted that staff protection is crucial: “It is important that employees remain protected; Sunday work must be fairly paid and clearly regulated,” he explained.
This push for more flexible operating hours follows a similar stance from Stefan Genth, the CEO of the main association of German retail (HDE), who had previously argued in the “Bild” newspaper for expanded possibilities regarding Sunday shop openings.
