That all changed in 1994 for England and Wales, with the introduction of the Sunday Trading Act, and in 1997 for Northern Ireland, as the Shops (Sunday Trading &c.) Order was approved.
Scotland never had the same restrictions on Sunday opening as the rest of the UK, though many shops chose to stay closed.
Today, shops across the UK are as busy as ever on Sundays, albeit with restricted opening hours for larger stores in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
But how did we fill our hours on a Sunday before the lure of retail therapy was an option?
This retro photo gallery shows some of the most popular pastimes of the 70s and 80s in the UK, from fitness trends to DIY pursuits.
How did you spend your weekends back then? Do these nostalgic photos bring back any memories for you?
For more 70s and 80s nostalgia, check out our look back at popular sweets and chocolate bars that were discontinued before their time.
13. Read the Sunday papers
Newspaper sales peaked in the 70s, when settling down with the Sunday paper for a long read was a joy for many people. Marc Bolan and Mickey Finn, of T-Rex, are pictured here catching up on the news. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Putland
14. A game of cards
Most youngsters enjoyed playing cards with their families in the 70s and 80s. As well as traditional games like Snap and Go Fish, the 70s saw the launch of Uno and Top Trumps. The heavyweight boxer Henry Cooper is pictured here enjoying a game of cards with his family. | Getty Images Photo: Reg Burkett/Daily Express
15. Explore the great outdoors
Many Britons discovered a greater love of the outdoors in the 70s, particularly during the hot summer of 1976. A shady ramble through the woods, especially beside a stream in which to cool off, was ideal. | Getty Images Photo: Ian Tyas/Keystone Features
16. Try home brewing
The popularity of home brewing boomed in the 1970s, fuelled by the promise of cheaper alcohol and the appetite for DIY pursuits | Getty Images Photo: Michael Putland