Americans take shopping on a Sunday for granted. But Greece, a heavily religious country, has been reluctant to embrace the concept.
Now, seven years into a financial crisis, the International Monetary Fund is insisting that the government allow Sunday shopping, in an effort to kickstart the economy.
But members of the clergy and those in small and medium sized business say “never on Sunday,” and they’re not referring to the 1960s Melina Mercouri film.
Many shop keepers object, stating that costs are higher for staff on Sundays and if they open, they ultimately lose.
And clergy from the country’s Greek Orthodox Church say Sundays are a day of rest and spiritual fulfillment, not for work.
PBS News Hour Special correspondent Malcolm Brabant reported on the issue of Sunday shopping in Greece.