Old debate reignited: AMRR is against closing on Sundays and holidays, but supports reduced opening hours. Purchases made after 10pm represent, on average, just 4% of total sales.
The Association of Retail and Restaurant Brands (AMRR) took a stand against the closure of shopping centers on Sundays and public holidaysalthough it supports the reduction of opening hours.
Based on a study by REDUNIQ Insight, the association points out that purchases made after 10pm represent, on average, just 4% of total saleswhich points to a limited financial impact if hours are reduced.
The was reopened with a petition from the Commercial Workers Union (CESP) demanding the closure of commerce on Sundays and holidays and the limitation of opening hours until 10pm.
According to AMRR, 93% of its members were open to reviewing schedulestaking into account the data that indicate that sales after 10pm are not very significant.
In shopping malls that close at midnight, such as Colombo, Vasco da Gama and Almada Fórum, sales at 11pm represent only 3% do total.
New timetable model
AMRR defends a new operating model in which shopping malls close at 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, extending opening hours to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, with restaurants taking an additional hour in comparison to stores, according to a statement cited for the .
The Portuguese Association of Shopping Centers (APCC) also expressed opposition to closing on Sundays, arguing that the measure would result in job losses and significant economic impact.
Cristina Moreira Santos, president of APCC, highlights that around 18 thousand jobs could be at risk.
“Will lead to direct layoffs”, he stated: “I can’t understand how he can please the workers”, he says.
“Many want to work on Sunday” because “extra pay has a burden on the family budget that is not negligible”, especially for “part-timers”.
In the first half of 2023, sales in shopping centers grew 7%, with the fashion sector leading sales (36%), followed by supermarkets (22%), household appliances and technology (12%) and restaurants (11%) .
