Sunday shopping saga goes federal

The argument about Geneva shops being allowed to open on Sunday December 22nd could be going to the federal courts, but a decision may come too late.

The canton initially decided to allow shops to open that Sunday in the run up to Christmas, saying it would breathe life into a beleaguered retail sector.  

But unions, highly protective over Sunday opening laws, took the case to court - and won. 

But now two associations, Genève Commerces and an entrepreneur group NODE, have filed to take the matter to federal judges. 

They acknowledge it may be too late to get a federal ruling that will allow shops to open in a couple of weeks – but they say it’s important to get a decision which could impact future decisions on Sunday openings – particularly in the run up to the holiday season. 

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