In Germany, a debate erupted about easing store opening times to stimulate private consumption. President of the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), Marcel Fratzcher im Handelsblattt, “Liberate store opening hours so that established retail can establish itself in competition against online commerce and secure jobs.”
The economist has stood by the trade association HDE, which is also calling for the opening on Sunday. “Because of the pandemic, there has been a massive shift towards online trading, which will not be completely reversed even after the pandemic,” Fratzcher said. People can shop online 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but brick and mortar retailers still have a “narrow corset” and must be closed on Sunday.
“Instead of penalties or taxes on online trading, the policy should make stationary retail trade more attractive,” the DIW chief said. In addition to more flexible shopping times, this also includes modern urban concepts that are making inner cities more attractive again.
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