Will markets in Turkey be closed on Sunday?

IRFAN DONAT

Representatives of the tradesmen and retail sector in Turkey sparked discussions following reports that a workshop organized by the Turkish Retailers Federation (TPF) reached a consensus on closing chain stores on Sundays.

TAMPF's Denial

The Turkish Shopping Centers and Retailers Federation (TAMPF) stated that reports regarding the closure of stores on Sundays are unfounded. This statement was also supported by the Food Retailers Association (GDP).

Important Statement from GDP

The GDP, in its statement, indicated that it represents 47 thousand sales points and 465 thousand employees in Turkey's food retail sector, expressing that there is no consensus regarding the closure of stores on Sundays. The association emphasized that the current situation would negatively affect employment.

Effects on Employment and Economy

In its statement, the GDP noted that the proposal to close for one day a week could lead to a 14 percent loss of employment in the sector, and that this situation would also harm the supply chain. The statement highlighted that "Restrictions on working days would cause significant problems in the economy."

Consumer Disadvantage

The association warned that restricting shopping days would lead to consumer disadvantage, emphasizing that this would particularly affect individuals with low purchasing power.

As a result, the importance of ensuring the opportunity to serve every day of the week in the digitalizing shopping world has once again come to the forefront.