SHOPPERS and retailers are split on whether all Guernsey stores should open on Sundays. Jersey’s do and many locals are taking cheap weekend shopping trips there.
Currently, major shops in Town are allowed to trade on Sundays only if they have applied for a licence for when a cruise ship is visiting.
Smaller shops - less than 400sq. metres - can apply to the constables for a licence.
HMV is one retailer that would love to open on Sundays.
‘We are in favour of allowing the customer to decide when they shop,’ said assistant manager Neil Bedwell.
He added that the store might not necessarily gain business from the extra day.
‘Most people tend to shop on Saturdays, so if people can shop on Sunday, then Saturday might be a bit quieter,’ he said.
Shoestring general manager Matt Mackenzie said Sunday trading was voted on at the last Chamber of Commerce meeting he attended. ‘The vote does get closer each year, but it is still not wanted by most traders. I think if the traders wanted it, it would happen,’ he said.
He was not in favour of opening on Sundays, even in the build-up to Christmas.
‘I don’t think we should open because I think the issue runs a lot deeper than whether it would create more business for shops.
‘You would be taking staff away from their families. I can understand people questioning whether Guernsey is open for business, but I’m not a fan of Sunday trading. Guernsey has a mystique to it and I wouldn’t want that to be lost.’
Recruitment consultant Becky Dean said it would be good to have the option.
‘I don’t think there are enough shops in Guernsey to warrant opening year round, but during Christmas and peak summer months I think it would be good.’
Michaela Slamimova, 25, said she would take advantage of an extra shopping day.
”I think lots of people would take advantage of it, especially at Christmas and in the summer. I don’t have much time in the week so I would love to shop on Sundays.’
But pensioner Patricia Masterton said she wanted the shops to remain closed.
‘I think everyone should have a day off,’ she said. ‘People have plenty of time to do their shopping during the week and I’m a bit old fashioned.’
Optician Shona Linton said: ‘I have worked in England and having the shops open on Sundays did not feel right. It’s nice to be in a place that still respects family life.’
Jonny Willcocks, 19, said: ‘I don’t mind because I’m usually in bed most of Sunday. Maybe at Christmas it would be good, but at any other time I don’t see much point.’
Hannah de Carteret, 23, thought shops should open on Sundays. ‘But maybe only in the mornings or afternoons. At the moment, if you work nine to five you only get Saturday to shop. Shops in Jersey and England are always open on Sundays and it’s much better. The shops in Town would make a lot more money.’
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