The Day Shops Opened on Sundays: A 1997 Retail Story

Sunday Trading in 1997: A Retail Worker's Tale In 1997, the UK saw a significant shift in retail with the introduction of Sunday trading. In a small town in Britain, one retail worker, let's call her Ann, experienced firsthand the impact of this change. Ann volunteered to work on the first Sunday the shops opened. "No one came," she recalls with a chuckle, highlighting the initial lack of customers. The shop's closing time of 6 pm added another layer of difficulty for Ann, who relied on the local Co-op which also closed early. She describes the challenges of managing her finances and even spending time in the dark due to an inability to recharge her key meter. The change to later opening hours proved more convenient, allowing for a more balanced work-life schedule. Ann's story provides a unique perspective on the early days of Sunday trading. It's a reminder of how societal changes can impact even the smallest of communities. The quiet streets of her town on that first Sunday stand in stark contrast to the bustling high street of today.