What is the legal framework for opening stores?
SR: "I'd first like to explain a fundamental concept: in Ticino, the right to open shops is regulated at the cantonal level by the Shop Opening Act (LAN), whose purpose is to ensure public peace, while the right to employ staff is regulated at the federal level by the Labor Act (LL), which aims to ensure the physical and psychological protection of workers. The latter includes among its principles a ban on Sunday work. With the new LAN—which came into force in 2020 after a lengthy process—significant work has been done to align these two legal bases, thus allowing shops to open when it is also possible to employ staff."
What were the main objectives of this new Law?
SR: "On the one hand, clarifying and simplifying the legal framework, taking into account the interests of consumers, workers, and retailers in a balanced way. On the other, adapting store opening hours to the changing needs of modern society."
What's new regarding general Sunday openings?
SR: "A significant innovation is the ability to open shops on holidays not considered Sundays (typically, these are St. Joseph's Day, Pentecost Monday, Corpus Christi, the Immaculate Conception, and St. Peter and St. Paul's Day). This opportunity is particularly interesting considering it also allows large-scale retailers to open, which is often a driving force for smaller retailers. It's important to note that, in any case, this is a decision that is up to individual retailers, ideally within the context of local coordination."
However, there are also other Sundays, usually before Christmas, when the shops are open…
SR: "Of course! In fact, with the adoption of a recent amendment to the law, the number of Sundays during which general opening is permitted, including large-scale retail outlets and subject to authorization, has been increased from three to four to take advantage of the possibility granted by federal law. This new law allows the sector to also consider at least one Sunday outside the Christmas period."
People often talk about tourist cities. Is Lugano considered one?
SR: "Thanks to the scientific support of the Economic Research Institute of the University of Italian Switzerland, we have developed an evaluation model to determine the canton's tourist destinations in compliance with federal legislation. This model takes into account various indicators provided for in the LAN regulations (e.g., number of overnight stays, number of hotels and similar establishments, number of tourist attractions, share of tourism-related workers, etc.). If four of these indicators are above a certain threshold, the destination can be considered a tourist destination. Based on this model, the City of Lugano is officially considered a tourist destination."
What career opportunities are associated with this recognition?
SR: "Shops in the City of Lugano—in the Molino Nuovo, Besso, Loreto, Lugano Centro, and Castagnola neighborhoods—can open on Sundays during both the summer and winter seasons (except for the month of November). However, those in the Viganello and Pregassona neighborhoods can open on Sundays during the summer (from March to October). During the tourist months, shops can operate with extended hours, between 6:00 a.m. and 22:30 p.m.."
Are there any limitations in this context?
SR: "Shops selling products that meet the specific needs of tourists can open if their sales area is less than 400 square meters. For shops with a larger sales area, there is the option of reducing the sales area, clearly separating it from the rest of the store."
Are workers entitled to a wage supplement?
SR: "Yes, in principle, workers are entitled to a 50% wage supplement for hours worked on Sundays. Each employee can also work a maximum of two Sundays per month, which must be compensated by a day of rest on a regular working day. This supplement applies to up to six Sundays worked per year."
Finally, is there any significant news on the front?
SR: "Yes, there's currently a discussion underway at the federal level to increase the number of Sundays on which shop staff can be employed without authorization during generalized opening hours from four to twelve. A decision is expected in the coming months, and since this is a legislative change by Parliament, a referendum may also be held. If this change is adopted, the Canton of Ticino will be able to adapt its law accordingly to allow shops to open more than four Sundays per year."
What is your hope for solving the problem?
SR: "The Canton has committed to providing the retail sector with the necessary tools and greater flexibility. In an economic climate where competition, including digital, is increasingly fierce, Sunday openings represent an attractive opportunity for stores. The hope is that they will seize this opportunity in a coordinated manner, for example by developing joint initiatives and synchronizing openings for greater efficiency."
Why do you think this proposal regarding Sunday openings is so divisive?
RM: "The issue of Sunday openings strikes a very diverse and sensitive chord. On the one hand, there are economic, tourism, and city center entertainment interests; on the other , workers' rights, the economic sustainability of business owners , and respect for family and personal routines. In this sense, the proposal is divisive because it involves cultural, social, and regulatory aspects. Furthermore, the current legislative framework—with its constraints between the Federal Labor Law and the Cantonal Law on Shop Openings —makes the issue even more complex, requiring careful and inclusive consultation among all parties involved."
RN: "The topic of Sunday openings is divisive because it involves differing visions and operating models within the same sector. On the one hand, there is a segment of the retail sector—particularly in urban centers with a strong tourist vocation —that sees these openings as an important lever for increasing the area's attractiveness and attracting customers who travel especially on weekends. On the other hand, some less structured businesses may struggle to sustain the organizational and financial commitment required. But the crux of the matter lies in the possibility of choice: providing the freedom to open means allowing each business to independently assess its own needs and opportunities. In a dynamic context like Lugano's, being able to count on a commercial offering that is also open on Sundays is a strategic element."
AC: "Switzerland doesn't have a tradition of Sunday openings. In the past, it was common practice to close very early on Saturdays—some at 12.00:16.00, others at XNUMX:XNUMX PM at the latest. I think it had something to do with respect for those who worked in retail, who were believed to have the right to enjoy the weekend with their families."
What solutions can be put forward in this regard, and what are the potential benefits?
RM: "As the Via Nassa Association, we believe the most effective solution is greater regulatory clarity, accompanied by a shared calendar of Sunday openings, possibly coordinated with city events and tourist flows. The benefits could be multiple: greater attractiveness of the city, increased loyalty among local and international customers, increased turnover for shops, and better positioning of Lugano 's entire retail offering. However, the issue of economic sustainability for businesses must also be addressed, perhaps through targeted incentives or flexible opening hours."
RN: "One possible evolution is the regulatory recognition of full Sunday opening hours in centers with a strong tourist presence, such as Lugano. This clear and unambiguous solution would allow us to fully leverage the city's weekend potential, fostering a commercial offering consistent with visitor expectations. With clear regulations without exceptions, we can certainly expect greater involvement from businesses. The benefits are obvious: a livelier center, greater economic flow, and the ability to differentiate Lugano from other destinations. It's a simple yet strategic measure, which strengthens the image of an open, modern city capable of meeting the needs of a diverse audience, both local and international."
AC: "As our Association has proposed, we could start with targeted openings on Sundays with events, already scheduled or to be organized, in the city center."
Beyond this recent debate, what are the main problems affecting commercial activities located especially in the center of Lugano?
RM: "The most pressing problems concern the high cost of retail space, competition from e -commerce and outlets, proximity to Lombardy's major urban centers, and the difficulty of attracting new customers, especially after losing those traditionally tied to the financial center. Finally, the fragmentation of initiatives and the lack of a unified vision penalize the identity and coherence of the offering ."
RN: "Lugano's retail scene is under pressure from several factors: the strong franc, competition from cross-border shopping, and the declining purchasing power of residents. Added to this is the rise of e-commerce, which is pushing consumers towards digital channels, which are often more convenient but less rooted in the local area. In this scenario, it's essential for businesses in the city center to strengthen their identity, offering quality, proximity, and personalized service. A well-maintained, accessible, and lively urban environment is needed, where the shopping experience is integrated into a broader cultural and social context."
AC: "In general, the main problem is the progressive disappearance of the middle class and the economic difficulties faced by the vast majority of people due to the dramatic increase in fixed costs. The globalization effect, which allows you to find everything everywhere, not just online, has certainly played a role."
What initiatives should be promoted to make Lugano more attractive to domestic and international customers?
RM: "We need to focus on increasingly personalized experiences and high-quality events—let's not forget that Via Nassa is a true open-air stage—and on integrated communication that showcases the city as a destination for style, culture, and lifestyle. Via Nassa can and wants to play a leading role in this, promoting synergies between retailers, institutions, and tourism operators. Integration with the Lugano Region's activities, the creation of a unified events calendar, and a strong push for digital marketing are key elements to attract both local and international visitors."
RN: "A clear strategy is needed to make Lugano a more vibrant and attractive city year-round. Urban entertainment, targeted events on weekends and during tourist periods, coordinated special openings, and more flexible opening hours are concrete tools to enhance the city center and its retail trade. There's a lot of work to be done, but we're headed in the right direction. Today, visitors seek experiences, not just services: Lugano must focus on quality, hospitality, and identity, offering a coherent and memorable urban experience that can attract and entertain even those from outside the canton or abroad. One rarely discussed aspect, ahead of the summer season, is the possibility of revising shop opening hours, adapting them to the climate and visitor habits. Introducing flexible opening hours and the option of staying open in the evenings during the warmer months, for example, could improve shopping comfort and enhance the city center's offerings."
AC: "I think solidarity in sharing and organizing events is fundamental, and the City Council's financial cooperation is indispensable. Staff training is also crucial, fostering a welcoming spirit and impeccable service. I still hear too many customers say they were served poorly on Via Nassa."
Looking further ahead, what is the trend in the luxury market over the last few years and what prospects can be identified for the future?
RM: "The luxury market has demonstrated great resilience, even during the pandemic, and continues to be a strategic component for quality retail. Customers have evolved: they are increasingly demanding, informed, and sensitive to the shopping experience , not just the product. Looking ahead, we see a growing polarization between top international brands and local excellence , with a growing emphasis on sustainability, craftsmanship , and personalized service. Recent observations indicate that Asian and American demand is showing signs of recovery, with growing interest in European luxury destinations, and Via Nassa has all the credentials to position itself as a contemporary luxury district, capable of blending tradition and innovation. Naturally, in a team effort, all players must play their part to the fullest."
RN: "The luxury market is evolving: today's consumers seek authentic, personalized, and locally sourced experiences, not just exclusive products. For Lugano, this represents a real opportunity. Investing in high-end properties—such as boutique hotels, charming resorts, or renovated historic homes—can attract a discerning clientele seeking wellness, fine dining, privacy, and lifestyle. In a highly competitive yet expanding segment, the key to success lies in offering tailored services, thoughtfully curated spaces, and a strong identity, aligned with international standards yet deeply rooted in the local context."
AC: "I think that in the coming years we will witness a sea change in the commercial strategies of luxury brands. There will be a return of the definition of "luxury" linked to quality rather than marketing; production will decrease, with higher prices and markups. With the exception of a few brands at the top of the luxury spectrum, all the others have been severely pushed aside and are all intent on regaining their place in the luxury pyramid . In my industry, and especially for our brands, fortunately, quality is a must, and as a result, luxury watches are seen as a safe haven. But for us too, customer relationships are crucial. Very often, luxury customers are stressed, tired, and in need of fulfilling human contact, and for them, purchasing a luxury item is a moment of relaxation, experienced like a night out with friends."
