The topic of extending supermarket opening hours has been revisited, with Rewe board member Marcel Haraszti advocating for an increase from the current 72-hour maximum to 80 hours between Monday and Saturday. Haraszti believes that customer behavior has shifted significantly in recent years, with online food ordering and delivery services being available 24/7. He argues that it is time to move away from traditional operating hours.
On the other hand, the GPA union strongly opposes the proposal, stating that employees are already under immense stress and pressure due to understaffing, and longer hours would only worsen the situation. However, Haraszti refutes these claims, stating that employees on fixed contracts will continue to work the same number of hours, and there is no shortage of staff during off-peak times.
The Rewe Group in Germany reported a significant increase in gross total sales from the previous year, with several of its brands contributing to this growth. Despite this positive news, legal restrictions on opening hours in Austria differ from those in Germany, and the company is considering extending operating hours from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., which has been met with resistance from various stakeholders.
Haraszti attributes the increase in sales to a higher share of promotions and the popularity of the company’s own brands. Although there are concerns about higher prices in Austria compared to Germany, he explains that negotiations with suppliers are ongoing to ensure fair pricing. The company plans to further expand its own brand sector in response to its recent successes.
In summary, extending supermarket operating hours remains a contentious issue among stakeholders. While some argue for more flexibility in scheduling to meet changing customer needs, others worry about putting additional strain on employees and suppliers. Ultimately, each business must weigh its options carefully before making any decisions about when and how long its stores remain open for customers’ convenience.
