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The States have had a good week.


 http://jerseyeveningpost.com/news/2014/07/01/states-close-the-door-on-sunday-shopping-move/#comments


A trial scheme which would have allowed large shops to open on Sundays has been rejected by the States.




States close the door on Sunday shopping





I have never been in favour of Sunday trading, not on any religious grounds, but simply because the idea just does not sit well with me. It seems that to have one day in the week where shops are closed (living on the mainland, I personally would have them all closed, supermarkets too) is a sensible proposition. There has been a gradual erosion of "trading free" days over the years, until now the only days when shops are closed is Christmas Day and Easter Sunday. Even then, it is possible to see the odd shop somewhere or other, still open for business.
There are those who argue "freedom of choice" or "convenience" or some other cliche to justify round the clock trading seven days per week. However, and certainly in the case of supermarkets, the only reason for opening on Sunday is profits. Supermarkets, as with any business, are not altruistic organisations solely for the benefit and convenience of the customer. They are in fact profit making institutions seeking always to generate more profit for the bottom line in the interests of their shareholders.
At the end of the day, that is what it is all about. Profits.
It is not unreasonable to spare one day a week from the almost constant clamour and commercialisation of the high street.

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