I don't claim to know about bringing up kids but simply stating that I cannot understand the pressure you are under and therefore do not know anything is as I have already pointed out a courtiers reply. Strangely I once was a kid and then there was no Sunday opening. Strangely I know many people with kids including my sisters, and strangely I can help with their kids and talk to them about the pressures.
Second hand experience is no substitute for first hand experience
And yes, you are absolutely right it is hard but much of the difficulty is self inflicted because you chose to make your life as busy with activities.
I make no apologies for wanting to give my kids opportunities to enjoy a whole range of activities. Why should I.
I have a friend who is a single parent, with three kids, one of whom is autistic. The kids all do as many activities as he can afford/arrange. He would find your whinging laughable.
I imagine you friend will understand exactly the points I am making. Sure it will be much harder again for him and I must admit I am in awe of anyone who can manage the manic juggling that comes with family life as a single parent (let alone with an autistic child) - it is challenging enough with 2 adults available.
Your inability to organise your life without time to buy your kids shoes is your problem and one that as I have pointed out is not guaranteed to be solved by the legislation. Just to underline that specialised shops do not tend to open longer on a Sunday in Scotland than in England.
As I pointed out way up thread I am perfectly able to organise my life - indeed it needs to be like a military operation at times. My frustration is feeling I have to prioritise shopping necessities due to unnecessary opening hours restrictions on Sundays.
And you are wrong on your comparison between England and Scotland. As I mentioned earlier my Dad used to live in Scotland as we've actually bought shoes in their branch of the same shop that we buy shoes in locally and in Cardigan (actually that's more of an independent but mainly stocks the same brand). Their Scottish branches are typically open until 6pm on Sundays, indeed some until 7pm. And open earlier in the morning.