Shopping Sunday: Berlin shops will stay open this weekend – The Berliner

Friday, September 6

Shopping Sunday: Berlin shops will stay open this weekend

It is one of the quirks of Berlin life that constantly catches out those who move here: Germany takes Sundays seriously. Forget to load up on groceries ahead of the weekly day of rest, and you’ll face a long walk to a train station (or have to order in).

This week, however, is an exception. Every year, the Berlin Senate determines a few days on which the shopping centres, malls and department stores of the city may open their doors for business. Usually, these mark major holiday like Christmas – but they can also decide to allow Sunday shopping when some important event comes to the city.

This Sunday, September 8, shops are permitted to stay open because the IFA is coming to town. The IFA Berlin is one of the world’s leading consumer trade shows, and it’s being held this weekend at the CityCube Berlin. Never heard of it? Don’t worry. When you find it unexpectedly easy to get toilet paper and eggs at 11am this Sunday morning, you’ll know who to thank.

There will be just two more shopping Sundays in 2024, both in December in the lead up to Christmas. On December 8, and again on December 22.