A comment on German shop closing hours: an endless discussion?

The German government is again planning to reform shop closing hours. This is welcomed by economists engaged in commerce research. Recent liberalisation of German commercial law did accelerated structural dynamics in the retail trade somewhat, but the essential factors influencing change lie in the general conditions of competition which have led to a regressive trend in retail employment and to an increased elimination of smaller, proprietor-run businesses. A further liberalisation of the shop closing times would particularly favour the smaller retail enterprises in lively quarters, which would also lead also to a stabilisation of their competitive position and safeguard their long-term existence.