Retail shops in Germany will no longer be open for business on Sundays after that nation's highest court overturned legislation allowing stores to stay open all week.

On Tuesday, the court ruled that Sunday shopping hours violate Germany's constitution, which upholds Sunday as a day of rest.

In 2006, legislation was passed that allowed merchants to keep their doors open on the four Sundays prior to Christmas.

It also allowed shops to stay open for 24 hours during the week. That law angered the nation's churches.

Tuesday's ruling was welcomed by services trade union Verdi "with relief and joy" according to the AFP. They said it was a boon to both workers and "their families and social surroundings."