The British are famous as a nation of shopkeepers, and now it seems shopping has become our religion.
On the 10th anniversary of the controversial Sunday Trading Act, more people than ever are choosing to shop on Sunday.
In a survey by law firm Bond Pearce, more than two thirds of retailers said Sunday was now their second most important selling day of the week, accounting for an average 15 per cent of weekly turnover.
Former Kingfisher director Nigel Whittaker, a leading light in the Sunday liberalisation campaign, believes trading hours should be extended further.
'Shoppers like it,' he said. 'The business hours were chosen as a compromise. Increasing the maximum number of hours would be appropriate.'
Woolworths communications boss Nicole Lander, also involved in the original campaign, said fears had not been realised. 'There hasn't been a material impact on Christianity. It's had positive effects,' she said. However, she warned political realities would make it difficult for retailers to push for longer Sunday hours.
Shopworkers' union Usdaw is concerned that extending hours would not benefit staff.
- Leader: page 10.
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