'Shopping without traditional stores': The innovative retail approach challenging Germany's storeless Sundays trend
In Germany, a debate is brewing over the operation of smart stores on Sundays. The federal "Shop Closing Law" (Ladenschlussgesetz), established in 1956, restricts retail operations on Sundays to protect rest and quiet, with only limited exceptions.
Since 2006, German states have gained some flexibility to adjust shop opening regulations, but Sunday shopping remains largely restricted nationwide. Smart stores, which are generally considered retail outlets, must comply with these laws and are mostly not allowed to operate on Sundays.
The trend of smart stores, particularly catching on in rural areas where traditional shops are closing, has been a subject of controversy. Opponents argue that continuous expansion of Sunday retail undercuts workers' rights, fragments family time, and puts additional pressure on traditional shops. They include labour unions like Verdi and organizations such as the Alliance for free Sundays, who argue that Sunday rest is a fundamental right and a social value which must be protected.
The Alliance for free Sundays has recently announced that the Bavarian branch will take legal action against the new Bavarian shop closing law allowing smart stores to open on Sundays. This move comes as four federal states (Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hesse, Saxony-Anhalt, and Bavaria) already allow fully automated retail outlets, known as smart stores, to operate 24/7.
However, proponents of Sunday opening argue that these stores offer convenience for many people. Over 80% of people polled who have a 24-hour smart store in their area believe it simplifies their everyday lives and enhances their town. Despite this, many Germans remain cautious or uneasy about fully unmanned shops.
Despite the controversy, the number of smart stores in Germany continues to grow. As of mid-2025, there are at least 723 smart stores operating in the country. Other states, such as Baden-Württemberg, are planning to allow smart stores to open 24/7.
The issue of smart stores operating on Sundays could potentially end up before the Federal Constitutional Court, adding another layer of complexity to this ongoing debate. The court will have to weigh the interests of convenience, economic growth, and workers' rights against the cultural and social value of Sunday rest.
[1] German Retail Association (HDE) [2] Alliance for free Sundays (Allianz für den freien Sonntag) [4] Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action
- The German Retail Association (HDE) may argue that the expansion of smart stores in retail business could boost the industry's finance and overall economy, thus promoting growth and technological advancement.
- The Alliance for free Sundays (Allianz für den freien Sonntag), along with labor unions like Verdi, could oppose the operation of smart stores on Sundays in politics, asserting that worker's rights and general-news values, such as Sunday rest, should be prioritized over convenience.
- The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action could play a critical role in mediating the ongoing debate surrounding Sunday opening of smart stores, aiming to balance interests of convenience, economic growth, and workers' rights, as well as cultural and social values.
