It seems to be related to the start of the school year: https://www.20min.ch/fr/story/magasins-ouverts-les-dimanches-30-aout-13-et-20-decembre-619890484636
Or long story short: The "shopping associations" applied the canton for particular stores to be legally open on three more Sundays of the year, so that people can shop pencils and stuff for school, and later in the year – holiday stuff.
The exception to the rule are the main stations of SBB/CFF/FFS in larger cities which often include shops for basic needs like food (e.g., Migros) and a pharmacy which are open all days, including Sundays. Depending on the space available, you may find additional shops there, too. Since you mention Geneva, see the listing for Cornavin in the city, and Geneva airport.
In Geneva, following a 2018 vote, shops are allowed to open on three Sundays during the year. France has had similar but more permissive regulations for years (with some nuances between regions and large supermarkets constantly pushing the limits) and concerns about losing business to the competition just across the border in Haute-Savoie or Ain is an additional reason for Geneva in particular to allow this. In neighbouring Vaud, the details are left to the municipalities but shops do close on Sunday for the most part (including this mall, which is actually very close to Geneva).
Apparently, this particular Sunday was chosen as it is the end of the first school week. Unsurprisingly, the other two Sundays are in the weeks leading to Christmas.
Credit:stackoverflow.com‘
4 Mar, 2024
5 Mar, 2024