Switzerland moves to allow up to 12 shopping Sundays per year
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By Jan de Boer
People across Switzerland could soon be able to shop on up to 12 Sundays a year, under plans approved by the Economics Committee of both chambers of parliament. Lawmakers argue it will boost growth and tourism, while Swiss unions have met the decision with dismay.
Committee votes to expand Sunday shopping in Switzerland
On July 1, the Council of States’ Economic Affairs Committee voted in favour of expanding Sunday shopping in Switzerland. The decision means that committees in both chambers of parliament are in favour of the proposal, which was originally submitted by Canton Zurich.
As it stands, Sunday shopping in Switzerland is highly restricted. Only certain stores like bakeries and petrol stations, and those located in train stations, ski resorts and airports, are able to open on Sundays regularly, and workers who do clock in on Sundays are usually generously rewarded through overtime.
The one exception is on so-called "shopping Sundays". On these Sundays, which typically occur in the lead up to public holidays like Swiss National Day and Christmas, all stores are allowed to open if they so choose.
Sunday shopping will boost Swiss businesses and tourism, committee argues
As it stands, each Swiss canton is allowed to impose four shopping Sundays a year. Under Canton Zurich’s plan, this number would increase to 12.
"From the Commission's perspective, society's needs regarding shopping opportunities have changed," the Council of States’ committee statement read. They argued the decision would increase convenience for customers, strengthen the retail sector and Swiss supermarkets, and boost the overall economy.
Back when they first proposed the idea, officials from Canton Zurich noted that it is unfair that stores in ski resorts can remain open on Sundays, while cities, which attract more tourists, must keep their stores closed. The proposal will now be sent for consultation in August, after which the whole of parliament will vote on the plans.
Sunday shopping trades worker rights for convenience, opponents retort
Though lawmakers may be in favour of change, there are still many hurdles to overcome. For one, it is currently unclear how many cantons would actually use all 12 Sunday shopping days. So far, only Canton Zurich has confirmed that it wants to introduce more Sunday shopping, while both Bern and Basel have said they have no interest in the scheme.
In addition, while it may be approved at the federal level, the proposals will also require changes to cantonal law, which invites the prospect of a referendum. At these votes, the main opponents to the changes will come from left-leaning parties and especially trade unions.
"The acceptance of this proposal endangers the health of employees, undermines democratic decisions, and is part of an unacceptable tactic to weaken Sunday off work [rules] generally," Swiss Trade Union Federation president Pierre-Yves Maillard told Blick. In October 2024, a survey of Unia union members revealed that 90 percent were against more Sunday shopping.
"They are sacrificing their family life so that we can get a six-pack of beer on Sunday," Social Democratic co-president Cédric Wermuth told 20 Minuten back in October.
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Jan studied History at the University of York and Broadcast Journalism at the University of Sheffield. Though born in York, Jan has lived most of his life in Zurich and has worked as a journalist, writer and editor since 2016.
While he has plunged head-first back into life in Switzerland since returning to the country in 2020, he still enjoys a taste of home at pub quizzes and karaoke nights.Read more