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.
17. Head out with your Walkman
The Walkman was one of the must-have gadgets of the 80s, freeing up music lovers, including George Michael, pictured here in 1988, to enjoy their favourite tracks on the move | Getty Images Photo: Michael Putland
18. Work up a sweat with aerobics
Aerobics was the biggest fitness fad of the 80s, as the likes of Jane Fonda got us moving in time to funky music. Neon lycra and leg warmers were not essential. | Getty Images Photo: McKeown/Daily Express/Hulton Archive