Iserlohn celebrates Sunday shopping: art & fun in the sun!

Iserlohn celebrates Sunday shopping: art & fun in the sun!

Like the summer wind blowing through the streets, today, June 29, 2025, brings fresh momentum to Iserlohn. This Sunday there will be a shopping Sunday under the motto “Street Art & Pop Art”. The city invites everyone to stroll through the shops and pick up a bargain or two. In addition, the weather will make for a perfect trip: predominantly clear and with temperatures of up to 28°C, the sun attracts people outside.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, sales outlets are normally not allowed to open on Sundays and public holidays. But there are exceptions, which are regulated by the North Rhine-Westphalia Shop Opening Act (LÖG NRW). Up to eight shopping Sundays are permitted each year, while the shop closing law specifies sales hours during the week from midnight to midnight, with the exception of Sundays, which are usually closed. Different rules only apply to some special goods such as flowers and baked goods, as these can also be sold on Sundays in many places. A few exceptions make it possible for shops in cities like Iserlohn to open on special Sundays, which stimulates the economy and attracts customers. The regulations were adapted to social and economic needs. It is also decided together with the cities and municipalities which Sundays are designated as open for shopping.

A piece of history

In order to better understand the background, it is worth taking a look into the past. Shops opening on Sundays were already common practice in the 19th century. With the introduction of general Sunday rest for shops in 1919 and the subsequent changes, the Shop Closing Act was introduced in 1956 to ensure employee protection, Sunday rest and a fair competitive situation. Several adjustments followed to take into account the needs of the population. Despite the more liberal rules in retail, Sunday remains a special and relaxing day.

In international comparison, Germany doesn't do quite as well. While in Italy up to eight shopping Sundays are generally permitted and in many Eastern European countries remaining rest periods are not so strictly regulated, in Germany there is a maximum of four shopping Sundays per year. Grocery stores and market places in tourist regions of Greece are often allowed to open, but in most areas Sunday is reserved for people as a day of rest.

The sales figures on shopping Sundays could be even higher, but the fun of strolling and the joy of shopping is a welcome change for many Iserlohn residents. Anyone who feels like strolling through the city today will find a variety of offers in the shops and the opportunity to experience the city's flair.

Whether you want to enjoy art and culture or just do some leisurely shopping - today's Sunday shopping in Iserlohn has something to offer for everyone and is a great example of how local businesses and the community can come together. Come by and enjoy the hustle and bustle!

For further information about the regulations regarding Sunday shopping in North Rhine-Westphalia, visit the pages of News.de, Juraforum and Wirtschaft.NRW: News.de, Law Forum, Economy.NRW.