01.09.2025 15:47
The Turkish Retailers Federation has announced its 'Retail Sector Employment Report' prepared for the year 2025 to the public. Among many observations in the report, an important suggestion stands out. Federation President Düzgün stated that they want supermarkets to be closed on Sundays, emphasizing that this would be a lifeline for both employees and small businesses.
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The report states that local retail chains operating across Turkey provide direct employment for more than 100,000 people. The sector, which offers job opportunities in various fields such as sales, logistics, accounting, and management, is emphasized as an important source of livelihood, especially for young people and women in small towns.
It was expressed that the retail sector, which contributes to regional development, also plays a critical role in the participation of women in the workforce in rural areas. However, according to the report, young people aged 18-30 do not see the sector as a "permanent career" and consider retail as a "stopover."
CALL FOR WOMEN'S EMPLOYMENT
The report reminded that one of the areas where women work the most in Turkey is the retail sector. It was stated that social mechanisms such as childcare support, shift planning, and safe transportation need to be strengthened to increase women's permanence in the workforce.
FEDERATION'S PROPOSAL FOR 'SUNDAY HOLIDAY'
Among the proposals of TPF, the most notable headline was the closure of supermarkets on Sundays. This way, it was noted that employees could take a day off with their families, and the balance between social life and work life would be maintained.
TPF President Ömer Düzgün, in his evaluation of the report, stated: "Today, hundreds of thousands of people working in the retail sector cannot take a day off with their families. One is off during the week, the other works on weekends, the child is at school, and the shift schedule is different. This weakens family ties and creates social fatigue. However, family strengthens with the time spent together. Sunday holiday will strengthen the family structure and contribute to sustainable employment. The declaration of 2025 as the Year of Family by our esteemed President is very valuable in this context."
WILL BE 'LIFELINE' FOR SMALL TRADERS
Düzgün stated that they are in discussions with the relevant ministries regarding the Sunday holiday, emphasizing that the implementation will provide great benefits not only to employees but also to small traders:
"As local chains, we are ready to be pioneers in this matter. Sunday holiday will change the perspective of young people towards the sector and create a more humane working arrangement. It will also be a lifeline for small traders. It can start in pilot regions first, and then, just like in Europe, supermarkets in our country can be closed on Sundays. This step will strengthen both the local economy, our family structure, and employment."
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