Times are changing: Not so long ago, the Ardeo retailer community in Erding had to fight for Sunday shopping. The improved framework program, but above all the increasing competition from online trade, have also moved the last critic in the administration and finance committee of the city council to adopt a benevolent attitude. Four dates were unanimously approved for this year on Tuesday. The issue of parking in the city center was also discussed. But – times are changing – it wasn’t about more parking spaces, but about more public transport.
In their application, the Erdinger retailers refer to the “current popularity of events of all kinds” especially after the Corona crisis, a “particularly difficult time for stationary retail and gastronomy”, and due to current crises. Because open shop doors alone are not enough for a permit, the four Sunday shopping days are linked to another attraction: On March 26, Ardeo is planning the Sunday shopping day with the external organizer of a street food festival on Schrannenplatz. On May 7th, the traditional Kreuzmarkt will take place in Erding, with Ardeo providing an additional supporting program. October 15th is combined with the church fair, and on November 26th the opening of the Christkindlmarkt and the Kathreinmarkt also attract visitors. The opening times are from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
2016 did not look good at all for Sunday shopping in Erding. The city had even issued an ultimatum: If the retailers don’t put together a more attractive supporting program than before, there will be no more Sunday shopping. At the time, Mayor Max Gotz pointed out that Sunday shopping in Erding does not actually comply with the law because the markets and activities that take place on these days are not of the required importance. The background to this was a judgment by the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig, which in November 2015 upheld the Verdi trade union, which had complained about Sunday shopping in Eching near Freising. The reasoning for the judgment stated that Sunday shopping is only permitted if the market taking place at the same time has a “defining effect” and attracts a “considerable flow of visitors”, so that there are more shop visitors than if the shops were to open alone.
Open shops alone are not enough for a Sunday shopping. There must also be a visitor magnet, like here in April 2018, when the day of the clubs also took place in Erding, including a Montessori hands-on circus (pictured).
(Photo: Renate Schmidt)
At Tuesday’s meeting, Erding’s Lord Mayor Gotz referred to the increased competition from online trade, which is still growing rapidly. He sees the approval of the four Sunday shopping days as “essential support” for local trade in Erding’s old town. The offer was also well received and was an important contribution “to the vitality and strength of the old town”.
Citizens should take the bus to the city center
Rainer Mehringer (Free Voters) was the first to speak. His skepticism has obviously gone. In his “personal perception”, according to Mehringer, he was not able to identify “the great disadvantage” or violations of labor law among the employees on the Sunday shopping.
Cornelia Ermeier (Greens) began with four days when Erding’s city center was completely closed. “In that case, citizens can be expected to take the bus to the city center. Otherwise, the customer always has to drive to the front door.” She sees a contradiction there and she asked that in future “with regard to the parking situation, keep an eye on the bus and think about whether a few parking spaces could not be dispensed with after all.
“Basically, I’m with them,” Max Gotz replied. It is also true that the overheating of the cities is also due to the many sealed areas. A balance must be maintained. This also includes strengthening public transport. As an economic development agency, he could well imagine offering the shuttle bus free of charge on all Sunday shopping in the future. The proposal met with approval, it should now be discussed within the parties and groups and then discussed again. The committee members voted unanimously for the four Sunday shopping days that had been requested. The City Council will make a decision at the next meeting.