Why are the shops open in Geneva today (on a Sunday)?
Many places in Europe are notorious for not being open on Sundays. This is especially true in Switzerland. Today, August 30th 2020, for some odd reason, some stores are open.
Coop:
The only explanations, given here, are:
ouverture dimanche
and
Ouverture exceptionnelle
Which equate to something like Sunday opening and exceptional opening, respectively.
Why are the shops open today?
Best Answer
In Geneva, following a 2018 vote, shops are allowed to open on three Sundays during the year. France has had similar but more permissive regulations for years (with some nuances between regions and large supermarkets constantly pushing the limits) and concerns about losing business to the competition just across the border in Haute-Savoie or Ain is an additional reason for Geneva in particular to allow this. In neighbouring Vaud, the details are left to the municipalities but shops do close on Sunday for the most part (including this mall, which is actually very close to Geneva).
Apparently, this particular Sunday was chosen as it is the end of the first school week. Unsurprisingly, the other two Sundays are in the weeks leading to Christmas.
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Are shops closed on Sunday in Geneva?
Most stores, including grocery stores, do not stay open past 19:00 on weekdays, past 18:00 on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays, so plan wisely to avoid frustration.Why are stores closed on Sunday in Switzerland?
The reason why shops shut on Sundays is mainly because of religion. In a Christian dominated country, Sunday is considered to be a day of rest where everyone should stop work, and, traditionally, go to church. This was the case from the advent of Christianity in Switzerland.Why should shops be open on Sunday?
Retailers can provide improved customer service by opening on Sundays, when customers often not only have more time, but also are more relaxed than they might be on a Saturday. Saturdays often have more scheduled events, such as sporting events, because Sundays are a traditional worship day for many.Why are shops closed on Sundays?
In the Christian-dominated Bible Belt area, most shops stay closed on Sundays due to severe pressure from conservative Christians claiming Sunday as a day for worship only.Biggest Mall in Geneva, Switzerland | Winter 2022【4K】(Shopping Center) Canton de Genève, Suisse
More answers regarding why are the shops open in Geneva today (on a Sunday)?
Answer 2
The exception to the rule are the main stations of SBB/CFF/FFS in larger cities which often include shops for basic needs like food (e.g., Migros) and a pharmacy which are open all days, including Sundays. Depending on the space available, you may find additional shops there, too. Since you mention Geneva, see the listing for Cornavin in the city, and Geneva airport.
Answer 3
It seems to be related to the start of the school year: https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/magasins-ouverts-les-dimanches-30-aout-13-et-20-decembre-619890484636
Or long story short: The "shopping associations" applied the canton for particular stores to be legally open on three more Sundays of the year, so that people can shop pencils and stuff for school, and later in the year - holiday stuff.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Tim Douglas, Artem Beliaikin, Artem Beliaikin, Tim Douglas