The founder of the UK’s largest independent toy retailer has spoken out about the importance of Sunday rest, following Chancellor George Osborne’s announcement last week that Sunday trading laws could be further liberalised.
Gary Grant, managing director of The Entertainer chain, told the BBC that his stores do not open on Sundays, even in the run-up to Christmas:
"There are many reasons for this, one of which is the 'day of rest' every member of The Entertainer staff gets to enjoy with their loved ones – including the Sundays before Christmas."
‘Commercial success’
Mr Grant, who is a Christian, founded the company with his wife Catherine in 1981. It remains family-owned and has grown to over 100 stores and employs over 1,000 people.
Sales grew by 12% last year, and, on average, a new store opens every month.
"Sunday trading is not simply about money or commerce – we have seen significant year-on-year growth by trading six days a week," Mr Grant explains.
‘Keep Sunday special’
On its website, the company explains:
“You won't find any of our stores open on Sundays. That's because we're part of the 'Keep Sunday Special' campaign. Our teams work extremely hard all week, so Sundays are reserved as a day to relax and spend time with friends and family.”
The company also donates 10% of its profits to charity.
“The Entertainer tithes its profits via its charitable wing, The Grant Foundation, which makes donations to several children's charities,” the firm says.
‘Faith is central’
In April, Mr Grant told the Guardian: “In everything we do, faith is central to our decisions.”
Andrea Williams, chief executive of Christian Concern, commented: “Here is a concrete example that recognising God’s pattern for work and rest is not detrimental to commercial success. Work is good but it is not the sum total of human purpose and we dehumanise people when we act as though it is.
“If Sunday trading laws are further liberalised, large retailers will feel the pressure to open for longer and it will be the most economically vulnerable who suffer most.
“We should resist the proposed changes to Sunday trading. But, even if they go through, retailers should learn from the Grant family and refuse to open for longer, setting aside fears about commercial loss.”
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Government in discussion with retailers over Sunday trading laws
Related Coverage:
All-day Sunday trading? We'll live to shop (Times)