Madrid's 'successful' freedom of shopping hours, which no one (not even the People's Party) dares to implement in other provinces: "It didn't make sense to go to the cinema on Sunday, but not be able to shop."

There is nothing in life as fleeting and unfair as time, which transforms into sepia-toned images and almost unreal memories, scenes that, not so long ago, sometimes just the day before yesterday, were everyday occurrences. Daniel, 13, has never known a Sunday with shops closed in Madrid, a common occurrence until 2012 and which, in the rest of the country, remains a natural occurrence. But until that summer, with a rampant economic crisis inversely proportional to the footballing ecstasy of the best Spain, the commercial reality in the region mutated, allowing for freedom of schedules . It did so amid turbulent days of demonstrations and political unrest, championed by the Popular Party government of Esperanza Aguirre . That (this) free bar, which particularly hurt small businesses, is today a Sunday way of life to which neighboring provinces tend to cling.

It's worth recalling one of the (then thorny) sections of the Commercial Activity Promotion Act (June 12, 2012) that defined the route: "Each merchant shall determine, with complete freedom and without any legal limitation throughout the territory of the Community of Madrid, the Sundays and holidays on which they will conduct their commercial activity." It's been 13 years since the regulation was approved, and a few more since it began to consolidate in the minds of those managing the region. A reality that remains an anomaly compared to the rest of the current landscape in Spain.

"Today, it's difficult to understand Madrid without this particularity, which keeps the city functioning. The literal meaning of that article sums up the spirit of the law. It made no sense to go to the movies on Sunday but not be able to shop," Percival Manglano , the Minister of Economy and Finance who promoted that revolution, argues to GRAN MADRID. "It has to be understood in the midst of the severe economic crisis, as these were tough times and businesses had to be helped as much as possible. There was quite a bit of debate in the Assembly and among trade associations that had doubts. But the argument was difficult to dismantle, as nothing was imposed; everyone was given the freedom to do what they wanted. It responded to the interest and benefit of consumers. And that brings us all together. The starting point was that the Administration should be as non-invasive as possible," he adds.

"Buses to Primark on Gran Vía"

Juan Manuel López Zafra , Director General of Economy for the Community of Madrid, also spoke out. "Freedom of schedules was not and is not an imposition. Consumers quickly adapted to this freedom of schedule, and more than half began shopping at times that were previously prohibited. Buses from other provinces came to the Primark on Gran Vía. Today, stores are fighting against e-commerce for immediacy and specialization. That's their big opportunity." And he offers an explanation for why no other region has made a move in this regard: "It's easier to do nothing and maintain your status, that way no one can overwhelm you. In a way, there's a fear of giving consumers the freedom to choose."

But, logically, the measure wasn't to everyone's liking. "COCEM (Madrid Confederation of Specialized Trade) had a moment of responsibility, as the main problem was unemployment. It wasn't a pleasant experience, but we had to cooperate to solve the problem. It was never proven that employment had improved, but the measure remains in place today," recalls Armando Rodríguez , president of the institution since 2019.

"This flexible schedule isn't as sensitive an issue today as it was in those days. In recent years, there have been issues that have disrupted local commerce, especially in sectors where turnover isn't as easy and it's not easy to cover schedules. Regulatory pressure, such as the latest measures from the Ministry of Labor, whose implementation costs around €6,000 per establishment, are some of the threats," laments the head of Madrid commerce, who also focuses on the lack of a strategic plan for the region—"they're investing barely two million"—that reflects the sector's desire for survival. According to data recently provided by that institution, 6,000 stores have disappeared and 270,000 m2 have opened in shopping centers.

"Compete with digital platforms"

The National Association of Large Distribution Companies (Anged) also spoke out, through its president, Matilde García Duarte . "Shopping habits and lifestyles have changed radically. The flexibility introduced by Madrid is fundamental because it guarantees companies' right to adapt their service to the reality of their consumers. We can also compete on equal terms with digital platforms."

And he adds: "The Community of Madrid is the only one where anyone can buy a shirt, a television, or go to the supermarket any Sunday in February and March. In the rest of the regions, it's prohibited because they establish a rigid calendar of days on which you can buy."

This isn't a political issue, as one of the most intense clashes has involved the Popular Party mayor of Jerez de la Frontera, María José García Pelayo . Or Córdoba, also from the People's Party, which prohibits opening in almost the entire city, except for the area surrounding the mosque.

Another Sunday dawns, and Madrid isn't closing in. Although not so long ago, and even though Daniel finds it hard to believe, the reality was different.