Alko to expand Sunday opening to 55 stores

Alko will expand Sunday opening hours at 20 stores this autumn, bringing the total number of stores serving customers on Sundays to 55, Yle reports.

Alko stores will also be open on several public holidays in future.

An amendment to Finland’s alcohol law, which took effect in early July, allows alcohol to be sold on Sundays and public holidays. Alko introduced longer Saturday and Sunday opening hours at its stores immediately after the amendment took effect.

Alko Business Director Kari Pennanen said there had been demand for the change.

“For many customers, Sundays and public holidays are ordinary shopping days. Store opening hours, people’s everyday lives and expectations regarding service availability have changed. We want to serve our customers when they naturally choose to visit us,” Pennanen said in a statement.

Pennanen said it was still too early to assess how the longer opening hours would affect Alko’s total sales.

Information about the stores that will extend their opening hours this autumn is available on Alko’s website.