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Samantha Hayes ReportingNordstrom and Macy's will close after the holiday season for the rebuilding of Mains Street downtown. When Nordstrom opens again for business, it will close on Sundays. That will be the rule for all retailers in this new development built by the LDS church.
Many people feel Saturday and Sunday are the most convenient days to shop. So If the idea is to increase commerce and traffic downtown, is closing retail shopping on Sunday in this brand new development a good idea?
Kathryn Christensen, Cashier: "I don't think the world revolves on income on a certain day."
But Kathryn Christensen works in retail and knows there is money to be made.
Kathryn Christensen: "From the retail side yes, I think Sundays are very busy, especially during the winter time, Christmas time, a good shopping time. Yes good for business."
While some businesses here or there are closed Sunday, most in big cities all over the country are open.
Jim Olsen, Utah Retail Merchants Association: "I think generally speaking, retailers find Sunday sales on a national basis to be one of the busier days of the week."
But that's not necessarily the case in Utah. Many local businesses consider the preferences of customers they are trying to attract. So opening Sundays was an experiment for Sam Weller's bookstore, a Main street favorite since 1962.
Katherine Weller, Operations Manager, Sam Weller's Bookstore: "We have been pleasantly surprised. We have had great foot traffic. A lot of people coming down just to spend Sunday morning and people coming in after church services."
This also brings up the question of restaurants in the development. Word right now is limited food service would be available on Sundays, but that's not a certainty at this point.
