The Large Organized Distribution System (GDO) Italy is considering closing the supermarkets On Sundays. A study conducted by the Coop Research Office indicates that the measure could generate savings of up to 2,6 billion euros for the sector.
The analysis was based on two surveys conducted in December 2025. The survey polled the Italian population and opinion leaders. The data projects that 2026 will be a difficult year for consumption in the country.
In 2025, the sector recorded a drop in sales volumes and reduced profit margins. Faced with this scenario, companies are seeking strategies to cut operational costs. Suspending operations on Sundays emerges as a viable solution.
Economy and productivity
The president of Ancc-Coop, Ernesto Delle Rive, defends the reopening of stores. for just six days a weekAccording to Delle Rive, the intention is to seek a common agreement with Federdistribuzione and the Association of Modern Distribution (Adm).
"As a cooperative, we are reflecting on something we would like to share with the large-scale distribution system: the closure of..." supermarkets "On Sundays, we would try to reach a shared common ground that could predict six days of store openings," he said.
The main savings would come from reduced labor costs. Currently, working on Sundays requires a salary increase of at least 30%. The study estimates that the resulting efficiency would be between 2,3 billion and 2,6 billion euros.
Opening on Sundays and public holidays was introduced in Italy by the Salva Italia decree of the Monti government. However, the main companies in the Co-op system now view the rollback of this policy with optimism for the sector's stability.
"The main companies in the Coop system now view Sunday closures favorably. We want to see if it's possible to open negotiation tables with Federdistribuzione and the Modern Distribution Association." (Admin), "To see if it's possible to reach a shared vision," the executive explained to the newspaper Il Sole 24 Ore.
Impact on the consumer
The sector plans to reinvest the saved resources in promotions for customers. The change would also allow for better work organization for employees, who would avoid the Sunday shift.
Research by Coop indicates that consumer habits would adapt to the change. Some of the purchases made on Sundays would be transferred to other days of the week. Currently, about one in three Italians no longer goes to supermarkets on Sundays.
The proposal aims to balance company accounts and provide solutions for employees. The debate now depends on negotiation sessions between the main associations of... Italian retail.
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