It is weird, if not absurd, for a country with tourist-based economy to refuse to adapt its needs and the obligations it creates. The reactions for the pilot implementation of opening stores on Sundays in 13 tourist areas in the country is yet another rearguard battle between misguided petty interests.
Before the measure has been implemented, before it has been determined whether it can contribute towards the growth of the economy, the trader and employee unions decided to rise up, with the usual arguments that the measure aims to serve chain stores and big interests. With the usual and willing support of a group of MPs, who are quick to adopt any form of union protest, without any consideration or evaluation.
First off the measure is optional and nobody is going to force someone to open up their store if they not want to. The problem of those reacting is not what they will do, but fear of what their competitors will do. If there is any interest, like in other countries, the protests will soon be forgotten and everyone will rush to respond to the market’s demand.
In any case, even now that the new measure is not in force there are stores that are open on Sundays and in the evenings during the week. They were not forced to do so; they understand that it is in their benefit.
For better or for worse, when you are competing against other countries with their own advantages in such a globalized economy, you are obliged to adapt to the market. The assurances and amenities of the past, however we may not like it, are long gone and have been overcome by the ruthless reality. We should therefore ensure that we have better services and products, if we want to regain our competitive edge. We should try to open stores on Sundays and time will tell if and who will benefit and how much…
TO VIMA
