There have been several discussions in Latvia about closing shops not only on public holidays but also on Sundays. A wider discussion started eight years ago when the Latvian Traders' Association proposed to close large food stores with more than 2000 employees on weekends, leaving only small stores open.
At the time, these initiatives provoked controversial reactions. Managers of the largest shopping centers argued that closing shops on public holidays was economically unjustified and could create a situation of unequal competition and reduce consumption, which would hurt the Latvian economy.
The initiative also attracted just under 4,000 votes on the Manabalss.lv website.
In 2023, the then Minister of Agriculture, Didzis Šmits (United List), raised the issue again, planning a proposal to close shopping centers on Sundays and public holidays. According to the Ministry, this would encourage the development of local producers and small shops. However, even then, the proposal sparked controversy and controversial opinions, for example, the then Prime Minister Krišjānis Kariņš (New Unity) was skeptical about the idea, stressing that it would be difficult to determine what to close and what not to close. Again, no concrete decision was taken.
When the new Minister of Agriculture, Armands Krauze (Greens and Farmers Union), took office, he said that the issue was not ruled out, but was not a priority at the moment. So the shops are still acting at their discretion.
Lidl and Maxima stores will be closed on New Year's Eve
For the second year in a row, Lidl Latvija will close all its stores on January 1, being the first retailer in Latvia to do so. Lidl has more than 1,300 employees.
According to Zane Neļķe, head of Lidl Latvija's communications team, the decision highlights the company's desire to create a balanced environment for its employees:
"This decision reflects Lidl's belief that it is important to make time for leisure and family values. Of course, there is also Christmas, which is coming up, and there are also public holidays, and Lidl stores will have shorter opening hours during these holidays. Experience from previous years shows that this move is very much appreciated by our employees and is also understood by our customers."
This year, for the first time, Maxima stores across Latvia will also be closed on January 1.
Liene Dupate-Ugule, Communications Manager at Maxima Latvija, also stressed that the decision was made out of concern for the well-being of the employees and to give them the opportunity to spend the holiday with their loved ones:
"This decision was made in response to the results of a survey of responsible colleagues, as well as after receiving positive feedback from colleagues. This decision is in fact a continuation of an already established tradition - we have already had significantly shorter opening hours on public holidays, as well as before public holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Midsummer. This is the first time that the shop will be closed on January 1. In the future, we will see how it goes, how our customers have adapted, because of course we also ask people to go to the shops in time and to take into account that the shops will be closed on January 1."
Both companies said they would assess the impact of the decision on their business, including the shorter working days on certain public holidays.
