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Shopping on holidays: pool regulations bring new possibilities!
Find out how the swimming pool regulations in Schleswig-Flensburg enable shopping on public holidays until 2028 and which shops are allowed to open.
Shopping on holidays: pool regulations bring new possibilities!
Things will be exciting again for many people in Schleswig-Holstein in the coming days, because the swimming pool regulations allow numerous shops to open on public holidays and Sundays. This regulation is in force from December 17th to January 8th and again from March 15th to October 31st and is aimed at promoting shopping tourism and catering for guests. But how exactly does it all work?
The pool regulation allows shops for everyday needs - such as supermarkets and bakeries - to open their doors on Sundays and public holidays. However, furniture stores, car dealerships and hardware stores are excluded from this. Shop operators are not obliged to open, but can offer their goods between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The scheme was recently extended until December 13, 2028, further supporting retail in tourist areas. As ndr.de reports, tourist resorts in particular are interested in long opening hours in order to meet the needs of their guests.
A look at the affected places
In a total of 95 municipalities, shops are allowed to open for up to six hours on Sundays and public holidays. These include, among others:
- Kreis Dithmarschen: Büsum, Friedrichskoog, Warwerort, Westerdeichstrich
- Kreis Ostholstein: Travemünde, Grömitz, Eutin, Fehmarn, Timmendorfer Strand
- Kreis Plön: Laboe, Heikendorf, Schönberg
- Kreis Nordfriesland: St. Peter-Ording, Husum, Amrum, Föhr, Sylt
- Kreis Rendsburg-Eckernförde: Eckernförde, Damp
- Kreis Schleswig-Flensburg: Schleswig, Glücksburg, Kappeln
- Kreis Steinburg: Glückstadt
The swimming pool ordinance was introduced in 2013 to reflect a common agreement between the state government and various interest groups, including churches. The aim has always been to ensure good care for tourists, which is viewed as worthy of protection.
Votes on the regulation
The pool regulation has largely met with a positive response from retailers. The Northern Trade Association emphasizes that this regulation creates additional sales days and thus benefits retailers. Nevertheless, there are also critical voices. Ver.di, the employees' union, sees the regulation as a threat to Sunday as a common day off. She argues that additional opening days will not automatically lead to higher sales. Ultimately, the purchasing power of customers remains constant. According to schleswig-holstein.de, only everyday products should be allowed to be sold.
The issue of opening times and employment conditions is not only relevant for stores, but also directly affects employees. It therefore remains to be seen how the regulation will be accepted in practice and what consequences it will have for employees in the region.
Overall, it can be seen that the swimming pool regulations for Schleswig-Holstein play an important role in both strengthening tourism and taking into account the needs of the local population. The shared interests of dealers and visitors will continue to create an exciting dynamic in the coming years. Anyone who will soon be staying in one of the affected communities can look forward to an expanded shopping offer. For everyone else, it means keeping the regulations in mind and adapting to the circumstances.