MBSZ: Sunday closure law would bring layoffs, price hikes

Retail

The support of some Hungarian chains for Sunday closings is not based on facts or considerations of market reality, and the proposed law will lead to layoffs and price hikes, the Association of Hungarian Retail Stores (MBSZ) said in a press release.

CBA, Coop and Reál, the top three food retailers in the Hungarian market in terms of traffic last year, said Tuesday that they support the recently proposed bill to require shops above a certain size to close on Sunday. The three firms said they support the bill because they want their employees to be able to rest on Sundays and added that no one would lose their jobs as a result of the new bill.

The three stores claimed that they are not supporting the law because it gives them an economic advantage, as they only have a few small stores that would be able to stay open on Sunday. 

Their position was rejected today by MBSZ, an association that represents 35 retail stores and 119 hypermarkets operating on a total of 2 million sqm. According to their press release, the law would result in layoffs involving 15,000-20,000 workers. The proposed law would also allow the smaller stores, that could stay open on Sunday to raise prices, MBSZ said.

MBSZ added that GFK statistics reveal that families of three or more, in which at least one person works full time, support Sunday shopping.

Number of Thefts in Capital Edges Higher in 2023 Figures

Number of Thefts in Capital Edges Higher in 2023

Magyar Drops Audio Suggesting Gov't Meddling in Corruption C... Government

Magyar Drops Audio Suggesting Gov't Meddling in Corruption C...

Wizz Air Using VR for Pilot Training Innovation

Wizz Air Using VR for Pilot Training

Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency to Host Summit Drinks

Hungarian Wine Marketing Agency to Host Summit

SUPPORT THE BUDAPEST BUSINESS JOURNAL

Producing journalism that is worthy of the name is a costly business. For 27 years, the publishers, editors and reporters of the Budapest Business Journal have striven to bring you business news that works, information that you can trust, that is factual, accurate and presented without fear or favor.
Newspaper organizations across the globe have struggled to find a business model that allows them to continue to excel, without compromising their ability to perform. Most recently, some have experimented with the idea of involving their most important stakeholders, their readers.
We would like to offer that same opportunity to our readers. We would like to invite you to help us deliver the quality business journalism you require. Hit our Support the BBJ button and you can choose the how much and how often you send us your contributions.