A Walmart store in Bergen County remained subject to New Jersey’s Sunday shopping restrictions. BY: @JOSELWEES/TIKTOK
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A New Jersey shopper was left confused after discovering that Walmart had blocked off its clothing section.
Jose Rivera, who recently moved to the state, shared a videoshowing the restricted aisles at a Walmart in Bergen County and explained what he learned about the unusual rule.
In the clip, Rivera (@joselwees) showed retractable barriers surrounding the clothing section, leaving customers unable to browse the merchandise. He later explained that the restriction was connected to a countywide law.
“Why is that? I need answers,” he said.
“I had no idea about this. But [did] you know, in Bergen County, it’s illegal to sell clothes on a Sunday. So in Walmart, they basically close off all the clothes. Why is that?” he added.
Rivera also shared his reaction in the video’s caption, “Bergen County….This is petty.”
Bergen County Still Enforces Its Blue Laws
The restriction is part of Bergen County’s Blue Laws, also known as Sunday Laws. The rules date back to the 1600s, when religious traditions and Christian practices influenced regulations requiring residents to observe Sunday as a day of worship
The name “Blue Laws” reportedly comes from the blue paper used for the original document outlining the restrictions. The rules were initially designed to limit Sunday activities and encourage residents to dedicate the day to religious observance.
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Although similar laws once existed in several parts of the country, many states and counties have since changed or removed their restrictions.
What Can Stores Sell On Sundays?
According to the Township of Wyckoff’s website, the Blue Laws do not prevent all Sunday shopping. Instead, they limit the sale of certain non-essential products.
Items that cannot be sold include clothing, furniture, electronics, household goods, appliances and building materials.
However, shoppers can still purchase groceries, medicine, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tobacco, personal hygiene products, emergency supplies, gasoline, oil, books and other publications.
Recreational activities are also permitted.
Residents Previously Voted on the Sunday Restrictions
Bergen County residents have previously had opportunities to reconsider the Blue Laws.
Votes held in 1980 and November 1993 both favored keeping the restrictions in place, allowing the county’s Sunday shopping rules to continue.
Walmart’s Clothing Section Remains Subject to the Rule
Rivera’s video offered viewers a look at how the longstanding regulation affects everyday shopping in Bergen County.
While Walmart remains open for customers purchasing permitted items on Sundays, its clothing aisles are among the sections affected by the restrictions.
