City council has approved four open Sundays for 2016
At its meeting today, Chemnitz City Council decided on the dates for four open Sundays in Chemnitz in the coming year. A further Sunday open for business on 1 November 2015 is still being agreed between the city administration and representatives of the Chemnitz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the centre managers, representatives of the retail trade and the city council groups as well as the Evangelical-Lutheran superintendency.
On the following four days, Chemnitz retail outlets may be open between 12 noon and 6 pm:
- Sunday, 3 January 2016 - on the occasion of the "Fire and Ice" event
- Sunday, 6 November 2016 - on the occasion of the "Chemnitz Culture Days" event
- Sunday, 4 December 2016 - on the occasion of the Chemnitz Christmas markets
- Sunday, 18 December 2016 - on the occasion of the Chemnitz Christmas markets
The regulation is based on the Saxon Shop Opening Act of 1 December 2010, which allows retail outlets to be open on up to four Sundays per year from 12 noon to 6 p.m. for special occasions.
For the "Fire and Ice" event, the retail trade is planning to organise an event on the weekend of 2 and 3 January 2016 to set hot and cold accents and create a unique atmosphere in the city of Chemnitz through a variety of activities and events. In addition to illuminated facades and interesting lighting effects, fire shows with artists, fireworks and an ice skating rink are planned.
During the Sunday opening on 3 January, visitors to the city will be able to shop in the glow of winter lights and enjoy what is on offer.
The "Chemnitz Culture Days" are intended to build on the events of previous years. The Sunday opening on 6 November 2016 will once again bring together retail and culture in the city of Chemnitz. Every year, the theme of culture will take centre stage and be presented in a complex and attractive way. Planned events include performances and shows by various trades associated with the theatre, complemented by a varied programme for children.
The Sunday openings on 4 and 18 December 2016 will complement the traditional Christmas markets. Every year, the Christmas markets are a popular attraction for numerous visitors. The elaborately and lovingly designed Christmas markets in the city centre and the shopping centres invite numerous visitors of all ages to stroll and linger.
The events listed are traditional and unusual events in the city of Chemnitz that have a special attraction for visitors. Experience has shown that they attract a considerable number of visitors.
The aim of opening shops on Sundays is to give retailers the opportunity to be involved in the events and to capitalise on the crowds of visitors.
Open Sundays contribute significantly to the revitalisation of the city. Around 150,000 visitors come to the city centre, the shopping centres and all other participating retail locations on a Sunday open for business. In addition to direct retail sales, many other businesses (catering, local and long-distance transport, etc.) and facilities in the city also benefit from Sunday openings.