"Sunday Shopping in March" video

Video produced as part of a campaign for an exemption to be made for DIY and gardening retailers to the planned six hour restriction in the Sunday Trading Bill which was passing through Parliament at the time. Also titled as "Sunday Shopping in March" on video.

As a trial during March 1994, DIY retailers in Northampton including Homebase decided they would open their stores in the town between 10am and 4pm to demonstrate the impact of the six hour restriction which would be made permanent by the bill. The video shows the trial and the impact it had on customers and staff.

At this time prior to the passing of the Sunday Trading Act 1994, Sunday trading was heavily restricted and only a few products could be legally sold. However by then it was standard practice for DIY superstores to open on a Sunday as normal despite the risk of legal penalties on what was the second busiest shopping day in many DIY stores. The Bill would therefore have the effect of reducing the opening hours of DIY and garden centre stores although it did mean they were now legally allowed to open and sell all products. The campaign was not successful, and the act was passed in July 1994 including the six hour restriction for all large stores.

Vox-pop interviews are included with customers explaining why they would like DIY and gardening stores to continue to be able to open longer on a Sunday and why it would inconvenience them if they had to closed. There are also interviews with staff at Homebase and competitors.

Footage is included of Homebase and competitor store exteriors (Wickes, Texas Homecare, B&Q, Do It All, Great Mills DIY); notices by Homebase and competitors about the Northampton restricted hours trial; customers signing a petition for liberalized Sunday trading hours outside the store; Podington Garden Centre; Great Mills store interior; Do It All store interior; customers arriving at Homebase when it is closed.

Duration: 13 minutes.