Sunday opening for Barcelona shops

24 Jun, 2014

Shops in some Barcelona areas in the city centre will be allowed to open on Sundays throughout the summer. The ruling applies to Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample as well as parts of Gràcia, Sants and Sant Martí from 10.00 to 18.00. The Sunday opening regulations apply from early July to mid September.

In order to protect small retailers the large shopping malls will not be allowed to open on Sundays.

Sunday opening has been discussed for years but has been opposed, mainly by the left-wing parties on the grounds that it would be harmful for small shops, which would not be able to afford the extra labour costs.

The neighbourhood associations of retailers have welcomed the measure because it is limited to tourist areas and excludes the large chains. Many would also like it extended to the Christmas season and sales periods.