ROMANIA: Hypermarkets could be closed on Sundays | Progresiv
Hypermarkets are once again targeted by lawmakers in an attempt to protect traditional food trade strongly affected by the expansion of large stores inside cities. Two PNL representatives have recently initiated a bill that requires the closure of food stores 2,500 sqm on Sundays and public holidays in Romania. 
The project practically proposes amending Law. 321/2009 on food sale by introducing a protectionist measure for local traders - which was also meant in the past, but without completion. "With this bill we support the revitalization of traditional commerce by limiting the work program of hypermarkets", said the initiators of the bill. In their view, the measure will encourage Romanian producers and will increase their competitiveness in the fight against imported products found on the shelves of hypermarkets.
"It is also relevant that the European Union member states such as Germany, Spain, Austria, Hungary etc. limited opening hours of hypermarkets. The measure recently adopted in Hungary had beneficial effects, the markets and local fairs being flooded with shoppers while employees of large stores have a day off to spend with their family", added the initiators of the bill.
