Tesco to Open Stornoway Store on Sundays

Tesco has announced that its Stornoway store on the Isle of Lewis will begin opening on Sundays from November 17, despite significant local opposition. This decision marks a departure from the store's long-standing practice of remaining closed on Sundays to respect the island's religious traditions, which have been upheld since the store's opening in 2008. Tesco's store director stated that the change is intended to meet customer demand for greater shopping flexibility and will create at least 30 new jobs, with no staff being forced to work on Sundays. An online petition against the decision has garnered nearly 1,900 signatures, reflecting the concerns of many residents, particularly from the church community, about the erosion of Sabbath observance. In response to local sentiments, the store will adopt shorter Sunday hours, opening from noon to 8 PM, which Tesco describes as a unique approach compared to other Scottish locations. Critics argue that this move prioritizes economic gain over community values, expressing fears that it will further undermine the island's cultural identity.