Most Austrians oppose further Sunday shop openings, JKU study finds

Most people in Austria oppose further Sunday shop openings, according to a study by Johannes Kepler University Linz and its Institute for Trade, Sales and Marketing, reported by ORF.

The survey found little demand for longer weekday opening hours. Nearly one in six respondents wanted longer hours at food shops, while nearly one in seven wanted them at clothing, electronics or furniture stores. Nearly one in five wanted shops to stay open later on Saturday afternoons and evenings.

On Sunday opening, 62 percent of respondents opposed further extensions. Vienna was the only state where a narrow majority supported them.

The researchers cautioned that longer opening hours would not automatically increase sales. Large shopping centres could benefit, while smaller shops might lose customers.

At the request of the Neos party, shops where the owners work themselves, as well as unmanned local grocery stores, may be allowed to stay open longer. A general Sunday opening is not currently planned.