Berlin
Germans are giving in to consumer capitalism. Until quite recently, stores were forced to close most days at 6
P.M.
, so workers and shoppers could go home to their families. On Saturday, stores—including food stores—could open only from 12
P.M.
to 4
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P.M.
But laws governing weekday store hours have gradually been relaxed, permitting 8
P.M.
closings. This week, the limits on Saturday shopping also fell, and now stores can be open on that day until 8
P.M.
Sunday, enshrined in the Constitution as a “day of rest,” is now the only day that is still off-limits to capitalism.