Elimination of opening hour restrictions - Retail stores open on Sundays all year round

Since December 2009, retail stores have had the possibility of keeping their doors open on sundays all year round. Since the beginning of December, grocery stores not exceeding 400 square metres have been allowed to stay open all year round except on public holidays.

According to the estimate by the Federation of Finnish Commerce, the deregulation of Sunday trade will create approximately 2,000 person-years more for the trade sector. The expansion of the Sunday opening hours has also already boosted the sales of consumer goods.

All-year Sunday opening improves customer service and productivity of trade, as well as increases employment and the competitiveness of domestic production. Extending the all-year Sunday opening opportunity to all stores is also vital for the credibility of the Government's business policy.