Farmers’ cooperative defies Sunday closing laws despite police report

The Norwegian agricultural cooperative Felleskjøpet will continue keeping 26 of its stores open on Sundays despite a police report filed by trade union Handel og Kontor, Dagbladet reports.

The union accuses the chain of violating Norway’s Shop Hours Act, which prohibits Sunday trading except for specific exemptions. Felleskjøpet argues its garden centres qualify under rules allowing florists and horticultural suppliers to open on Sundays.

“We respect Handel og Kontor’s position, but our assessment is that we operate in line with current regulations,” said Sigbjørn Vedeld, Felleskjøpet’s communications director. He confirmed the chain would remain open on Sundays until the end of June, matching peak gardening season, before closing for the rest of the year.

The cooperative claims internal and external legal reviews support its interpretation. “We’ve documented that flowers and garden products dominate Sunday sales,” Vedeld said, adding that customers in agricultural areas had been informed of the policy.

Handel og Kontor disputes the legality, arguing the stores exceed permitted exemptions. The union has reported 36 Felleskjøpet locations to police, though the chain maintains only 26 are affected.

Vedeld dismissed accusations of undermining Norway’s Sunday closing laws, stating the policy simply meets customer demand during the busiest months for gardening. He also cited competition from other retailers operating year-round Sunday openings.

Norway’s Shop Hours Act generally bans Sunday trading, with exceptions for small grocery stores, petrol stations, kiosks, souvenir shops, garden centres, and outlets at transport hubs. Municipalities can designate tourist zones with extended Sunday hours, but violations risk closure orders or fines.

Felleskjøpet has not ruled out legal action if police pursue the case but insists it will comply with all laws. “We have no intention of challenging the regulations,” Vedeld said.