Although the summer season started poorly, the Association of Small Shops in Montenegro reported satisfactory results due to strong sales in August and September. Secretary Željko Ćetković noted that small retailers continue to struggle for survival, with the main obstacle being restrictions on Sunday trading.
Ćetković emphasized that the Association has been requesting for six years that small shops be allowed to open on Sundays during the summer months—June through September. In Budva alone, there are around 35 such shops, which are crucial for tourism and help sustain approximately 2,000 jobs nationwide. Employees in these shops are well-paid and would receive additional compensation for Sunday work.
He clarified that their request concerns only about 7% of small shops and denied media claims suggesting an attempt to abolish the Sunday holiday entirely. The final decision on Sunday trading rests with the central government, and although previous negotiations with ministers and social partners have failed, Ćetković hopes that the Constitutional Court will support the measure.
Small retailers remain competitive against large chains due to personalized customer service and added services. Regarding inflation, Ćetković noted that it is a global issue beyond the control of Montenegrin small businesses, as the country relies heavily on imports.
