The Benefits of Scrapping Sunday Trading Restrictions for Smaller Businesses
By Mark Allatt, Open Sundays campaign
The United Kingdom has long grappled with Sunday trading laws, which limit large stores over 280 square metres to six hours of operation on Sundays. Recent proposals to scrap these restrictions entirely have sparked debate. While concerns about worker rights and high street character persist, the evidence suggests significant advantages for smaller stores and independent businesses. By allowing large retailers to open freely, footfall increases dramatically, creating spillover effects that benefit the entire retail ecosystem.
Large anchor stores, such as supermarkets and department chains, act as magnets for consumers. On unrestricted Sundays, these outlets attract families, casual shoppers, and bargain hunters who might otherwise stay home. Data from Scotland, where no Sunday trading limits apply, show a 15-20% rise in overall town centre visitors compared to England. In England, relaxed rules during events like the Olympics demonstrated similar surges. Smaller retailers positioned nearby - boutiques, greengrocers, or speciality shops - capture this influx. Shoppers arriving for groceries at a major supermarket often browse adjacent independents, discovering unique products they would not seek out otherwise. This "halo effect" is well-documented in retail studies; for instance, a report by the Centre for Retail Research indicates that proximity to a large store can increase a small business's Sunday takings by up to 30%.
Beyond mere footfall, extended opening hours encourage longer shopping trips. When large stores operate all day, consumers plan fuller outings rather than rushed visits. Families combine errands: picking up essentials at the supermarket, then exploring nearby markets or craft stalls. This dwell time benefits smaller stores directly. A shopper who enters a large retailer at noon might emerge hours later, ready for impulse purchases elsewhere. Independent cafes tucked into shopping arcs report higher weekend trade as a result. The British Independent Retailers Association notes that relaxed regulations in trial areas led to a 25% uplift in average transaction values for small outlets, as customers feel less pressured and more inclined to linger.
The hospitality sector reaps perhaps the most pronounced gains. Pubs, restaurants, and coffee shops thrive on the extended vibrancy that full-day trading brings. Large stores keep car parks busy and streets animated into the evening, drawing diners who conclude their shopping with a meal. In towns like Manchester, where partial deregulations have been tested, hospitality venues near major retailers see Sunday revenues climb by 40%, according to Local Data Company analysis. This symbiosis is mutual; smaller food businesses supply anchors with local produce, fostering partnerships that enhance community ties. Moreover, increased evening footfall supports late-opening eateries, reducing the "ghost town" effect that curtailed hours often create.
Critics argue that deregulation favours big chains, potentially squeezing independents. However, empirical evidence counters this. In fully deregulated Ireland, small retailers have not declined disproportionately; instead, high streets adapt with niche offerings that complement, rather than compete with, giants. Training programmes and shared marketing initiatives can further amplify benefits for smaller players.
Scrapping Sunday trading restrictions promises a more dynamic retail landscape. Anchor stores generate footfall, prolong visits, and invigorate hospitality, creating a rising tide that lifts smaller boats. Policymakers should prioritise safeguards for workers while embracing these economic opportunities. For communities reliant on vibrant high streets, deregulation could herald a weekend renaissance, where every business - from the corner shop to the local bistro - shares in the benefits.