For many, Sunday is an ideal time to car shop — free from the weekday rush and perfect for browsing at a relaxed pace. And yet many dealerships are closed on Sundays. Why? The reasons vary, from legal restrictions to business strategies. Let’s explore the factors influencing a dealership’s weekend hours.
Why Aren’t All Car Dealerships Open on Sundays?
Why Some Dealerships Are Closed on Sundays
While it may be an inconvenience for car shoppers, closing the showroom door on a Sunday is sometimes out of car dealers’ hands, and other times it’s a conscious decision. The primary reasons for not keeping Sunday business hours are:
State laws and regulations
One of the most significant reasons many dealerships close on Sundays is that they legally have to due to blue laws. These are legal restrictions that limit entertainment and commercial activities on specific days, often including Sundays. Most blue laws were enacted to regulate behavior and encourage religious observance on the Christian day of rest. While many have been repealed, 19 states (including Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Nevada, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin ) still enforce blue laws that restrict or prohibit Sunday car sales. In these places, dealerships may keep service departments open in order to repair broken vehicles (which often includes the sale of parts), but their showrooms must remain closed.
A lack of local demand
In rural or traditionally religious communities, there’s often a cultural expectation that Sunday should be reserved for family time, church, or rest, so people tend not to venture out for unessential shopping needs. With so little foot traffic, dealerships may decide that Sunday operations aren’t profitable enough to justify staying open. Also, by observing a community’s customs, car dealers may strengthen local relationships and foster customer loyalty.
Worker relief
Management may make the decision to close on Sunday for the sake of workers’ well-being and morale. Running a dealership seven days a week can quickly lead to employee burnout. Giving people the day off by being closed Sundays can be a good long-term business strategy, because it allows employees to maintain a more balanced work-life schedule, potentially preventing turnover.
Why Some Dealerships Are Open on Sundays
In states without laws prohibiting Sunday car sales, dealerships often choose to open their doors at least during prime business hours for several reasons, including:
The opportunity for more sales
Each hour you’re open presents an opportunity for people to come in, test-drive a new car or used car, and commit to purchase it. For dealerships in competitive markets, it often pays to have at least some sales staff on hand to serve these potential buyers. And if the competition decides to take the day off while you remain open, you’re in a better position to win the Sunday car buying business.
Increased convenience for customers
Many people can’t visit the showroom during the work week. And if they have obligations on Saturday, then Sunday is the only day of the week when they can consider car shopping. Many dealerships understand this and remain open to give these potential customers time to browse the lot and look at vehicles without feeling rushed. Many shoppers will appreciate this flexibility and convenience, which can help to build customer loyalty.
