Not until you drop: many an expat has arrived in Switzerland to find, to their astonishment, the shops close their doors at 16:00 on Saturdays, and as for Sundays--well, forget it. Supporters of longer trading hours face stiff opposition, but in a stagnating economy is business winning the argument?

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Not until you drop: many an expat has arrived in Switzerland to find, to their astonishment, the shops close their doors at 16:00 on Saturdays, and as for Sundays--well, forget it. Supporters of longer trading hours face stiff opposition, but in a stagnating economy is business winning the argument?

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The vote by citizens of Canton Fribourg last September not to extend Saturday shop opening hours by an hour to 17:00 has highlighted once more the strong feelings aroused by this long-standing battle--and the difference of opinion has made unlikely bedfellows of those who would like to see the status quo maintained.

The labour unions have long resisted any relaxation of ...

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