Self-service shops: Sunday and public holidays in the focus of the criticism

Self-service shops: Sunday and public holidays in the focus of the criticism

Ulm, Deutschland - The debate about the opening times of self-service shops is picking up speed in Baden-Württemberg. On June 15, 2025, the question arises to what extent such business should be open on Sundays and public holidays. Critics warn that these new concepts could undermine occupational safety and disadvantage retail. Above all, the CDU parliamentary group in the state parliament demands a legal basis for the continuous opening times to regulate the existing structures fairly, while supporters of the self-service shops urgently argue that they close an important supply gap in rural areas.

An example of this concept is the self-service chain "Aunt-M". Operator Christian Maresch has now opened over 40 such shops in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria and Rhineland-Palatinate. As the name suggests, these shops are self -service -oriented and enable customers to access foods and necessary basic requirements around the clock. Access is via an app, and the payment process is also carried out digitally. This makes the shops particularly attractive for people in rural areas, where access to regular shops is often difficult, especially on public holidays and weekends.

opening times under the magnifying glass

The "Aunt-M" shops are open every day from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. They remain closed at night to prevent vandalism. Many customers appreciate flexibility and easy access, especially on weekends. However, the competition there causes excitement to conventional grocery stores. The alliance for free Sunday, which combines church and trade union groups, vehemently criticizes the openings and argues that they violate the shop opening law in Baden-Württemberg.

Wolfgang Krüger from ver.di calls for a ban on Sunday openings of the "Aunt-M" shops. He sees a danger to the local economy in these openings and fears negative effects on other retailers. Maresch counters that many shops would not be profitable and closed without the income on Sunday. This illustrates the conflict between economic necessity and the protection of Sunday as a day off.

political positions and legal gray areas

Another problem concerns the legal framework for the self -service shops. The Ministry of Economic Affairs in Baden-Württemberg sees various legal gray areas and seems to be reserved, while the political support for the "Aunt-M" shops is growing from the ranks of the Greens and the CDU. This optimization could also be an answer to the shortage of skilled workers in retail.

Overall, the discussion shows that it is time to find the balance between the requirements for local supply in rural regions and the protection of Sunday. Among other things, the latest suggestions include that only certain sales outlets- such as scientific events or flower and plant markets- may be open. Nevertheless, there is no uniform regulation that creates a clarity for consumers and the business in terms of shopping on Sundays and public holidays, as other cities have shown, where exceptional permits are the rule.

The future of self-service shops in Baden-Württemberg remains exciting. As a solution for local supply bottlenecks, they are traded high, but the balance between economic success and social responsibility must be carefully weighed up.

How to continue to shape these developments remains to be seen. What is certain is that the discussion about the Sunday openings is far from complete - the topics of job protection, fairness in the competition and social values ​​are at stake.