Proposal Made in Türkiye for the Sunday Supermarket Closure

​ The Turkish Retailers Federation recently suggested that chain markets, including BİM, A101, ŞOK, Carrefour, and Migros, all over Türkiye, be closed on Sundays, and this proposal was taken into consideration. According to CNN Türk, following a meeting, which was held between the Turkish Retailers Federation and its collaborator Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen, a final decision was made that chain supermarkets should be closed on Sundays. The question “Will the chained markets be closed on Sundays?” pops up in the minds of every citizen, but the answer to this question is not finalized yet as all eyes are turned on the upcoming answer from the Turkish Ministry of Commerce. 

​ The meeting that held this debate “Sunday with Family: Holiday Together, Strong Society,” divided Turkish society into two opposite sides. Chiefly the supermarket employees and human rights advocates, agree that every person has a right to rest after intense working conditions and socialize to reset their minds. 

Nationwide supermarket chains’ employees work a 12 hour shift of ending as late as 10 PM while local supermarket chains’ employees generally work a 16 hour shift from 7 AM to 11 PM, demonstrating an inhumane layout that indicates an immediate action should be taken to stop the non-stop tempo of supermarket employees. However, this consequence does not extend equally to supermarket employees; whose family obligations and physical and mental health are frequently insufficiently considered. They are seen as code-designated robots working non-stop who have no feelings or need to rest. 

Critiques defend the idea that supermarkets should be open all throughout the week in case of any emergency. There are several solutions offered in response. Consumers can plan ahead their vital needs and purchase the must-have items on days other than Sunday. Second, a rotating schedule could be followed where every week a different supermarket chain remains open every Sunday. Third, a specific brand could be established to operate 24/7, which is similar to the model British giant Tesco previously employed and was known for before ending it in the majority of their stores, as reported by BBC. Finally, consumers could go to the gas station that is closest to them and buy the urgent items there. If this proposal is realized, then the mom-and-pop shops would be preserved, which means closure of chain supermarkets would support the small-scale local economies, providing them the lifeline and giving local tradesmen the chance to withstand the supermarket chains that have spread everywhere. 

​ Overall, the closure of chain supermarkets on Sunday would both support physical well-being and psychological mentality of employees by giving them breathing space to renew after a week of intense work and a chance to socialize with their loved ones. This debate over the closure of chain supermarkets can bring much-needed support back to the corner shops, local tradesmen, and small businesses by revitalizing the local micro-economy.

Writer: Zeynep Sözbilir

Editor: Cemre Sanlav