Most shops are closed on Sundays in Switzerland with the exception of shops in railway stations. Official holidays are defined by the cantons.
Public holidays are regulated by the Labour Law and are legally equivalent to Sundays. August 1st (National Day) is a statutory public holiday throughout Switzerland. Additionally, each canton can establish additional official holidays.
Appenzell Ausserrhoden: Longer shopping only in Herisau
In the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, the municipalities decide on possible extended store opening hours. This has so far only been introduced in the main town of Herisau. There, large retailers like Migros and Coop keep their stores open longer. Migros is open every day from 7 AM to 8 PM, and on Saturdays from 7 AM to 6 PM. Coop participates in the Friday evening sales.
Smaller businesses usually close at 6:30 PM. On Sundays, stores must generally remain closed, with a maximum of four Sunday sales allowed per year.
However, municipalities can issue exceptions for Sunday sales if "circumstances justify it." These criteria can include, for example, flower shops, gas station shops, bakeries, or kiosks, according to the canton on request.
The cantonal public services are, in general, open Mondays through Fridays from 7.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00. Office hours for community public services vary greatly. Particularly small communities may have limited opening hours. Finding out in advance what the opening hours are, by telephone or internet, is recommended.
