IKEA Paramus, like many other retail businesses in Bergen County, New Jersey, is notably closed every Sunday. To the average consumer, this could seem quite unusual, considering that Sunday is a popular day for shopping. The reason behind this peculiarity isn’t a corporate decision made by IKEA, but a local law that has been in effect for many years. Here’s an in-depth look at why IKEA Paramus is closed on Sundays.
IKEA Paramus is closed on Sundays due to the “Blue Laws” in effect in Bergen County, New Jersey, where Paramus is located. These laws restrict most retail businesses from opening on Sundays to control congestion and maintain a day of rest. This isn’t a corporate decision by IKEA, but a local law that has been in place for many years.
The Role of Blue Laws
The primary reason for IKEA Paramus’ Sunday closure is the “Blue Laws” in effect in Bergen County, where Paramus is located. These laws date back to the 17th century and restrict nearly all white-collar and retail businesses from opening on Sundays, with a few exceptions such as gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
Paramus has even stricter restrictions than the rest of Bergen County, preventing stores selling non-food items from opening at all on Sundays. These laws were enacted shortly after the Garden State Plaza opened, out of fear that the mall would cause high levels of congestion in the borough.
Impact on IKEA Paramus
Being closed on Sundays has a significant impact on IKEA Paramus. The store operates from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and misses out on potential sales during Sunday. The New Jersey Retail Merchants Association has expressed concerns that retail businesses in Bergen County, including Paramus, are losing out due to these blue laws.
Customer Impact
Customers who want to shop at IKEA Paramus on Sundays are unable to do so, which may lead them to visit other IKEA locations or shop at different stores that are open on Sundays. This could potentially result in a loss of revenue for IKEA Paramus and inconvenience for customers who prefer to shop on Sundays.
Mitigation Strategies
To mitigate the impact of being closed on Sundays, IKEA Paramus has implemented several strategies. These include extended hours on other days, offering a Click & Collect service, hosting in-store events and promotions, and replenishing the As-Is section every day.
Community Response and Future Plans
While some people may find it inconvenient, the community understands that this is a local regulation that affects not only IKEA but also other retail establishments in the area. As of now, there are no plans or discussions regarding changing the Sunday closure practice.
In conclusion, the reason behind IKEA Paramus’ Sunday closure is far from corporate strategy or preference, but rather a local law aiming to control congestion and maintain a day of rest. While it may pose some inconvenience to shoppers and potential revenue loss for businesses, it also fosters a unique cultural characteristic that sets Paramus apart from other boroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours of IKEA Paramus?
IKEA Paramus operates from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
What are some of the strategies IKEA Paramus has implemented to mitigate the effects of being closed on Sundays?
IKEA Paramus has implemented strategies such as extended hours on other days, offering a Click & Collect service, hosting in-store events and promotions, and replenishing the As-Is section every day.
What are Blue Laws?
Blue Laws are laws that date back to the 17th century and restrict nearly all retail businesses from opening on Sundays. They are currently in effect in Bergen County, New Jersey, where Paramus is located.
Why were the Blue Laws enacted in Paramus?
The Blue Laws were enacted in Paramus shortly after the Garden State Plaza opened to prevent high levels of congestion in the borough.
Are there any plans to change the Sunday closure practice?
As of now, there are no plans or discussions regarding changing the Sunday closure practice in Paramus.
