Limited Shopping Hours Ahead Of Easter Weekend

As Easter approaches, shoppers in Poland are gearing up for the last-minute scramble to gather their holiday essentials. Wielka Sobota, or Great Saturday, falls on April 19, 2025, marking the final day for shopping before Easter Sunday. On this day, shops are mandated to close by 14:00 (2 PM), according to a law that restricts trade on Sundays and holidays. This year, many retail chains are shortening their hours even further, with several stores closing as early as 13:00 (1 PM).

In light of these restrictions, consumers are advised to plan their shopping trips carefully. Major supermarkets like Biedronka, Lidl, and Aldi have announced their hours for Wielka Sobota, with Biedronka remaining open until 13:30 (1:30 PM) and other stores like Lidl and Kaufland closing at 13:00 (1 PM). The complete list of opening hours for popular chains is as follows:

• Biedronka: open until 13:30 (1:30 PM)
• Lidl: open until 13:00 (1 PM)
• Aldi: open from 6:00 to 13:30 (6 AM to 1:30 PM)
• Netto: open from 6:00 to 13:30 (6 AM to 1:30 PM)
• POLOmarket: open until 13:00 (1 PM)
• Auchan: open until 13:00 (1 PM)
• Carrefour: open until 13:00 (1 PM)
• Kaufland: open until 13:00 (1 PM)
• Dino: open until 13:00 (1 PM)

It is also important to note that the hours may vary by location, so shoppers are encouraged to check the specific hours on the stores' websites or mobile apps.

After 14:00 (2 PM) on Wielka Sobota, shopping options become limited. Consumers can still make purchases at petrol stations, pharmacies, and shops operated by owners and their families, such as some Żabka stores. However, breaking the trading ban can lead to hefty fines of up to 100,000 zł, and employers may face legal consequences.

For those who miss the 14:00 deadline on Saturday, there are still a few options available. Petrol stations often have convenience stores that remain open 24 hours, while pharmacies will operate on a holiday schedule. Additionally, some small neighborhood stores may open if the owner is present.

As for the Easter holiday itself, most large retailers will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, and Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. This closure means that shoppers will need to stock up on their holiday needs in advance, as the next opportunity for grocery shopping will not be until Monday.

In preparation for the holiday, Biedronka has extended its hours on the previous Sunday, April 13, 2025, to accommodate the increased demand. Over 3,300 Biedronka stores will be open until 22:00 (10 PM) that day, allowing shoppers to gather all necessary ingredients for their Easter meals and decorations without the usual rush.

On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Biedronka stores will also extend their hours, with many locations open until 23:30 (11:30 PM) or later. This flexibility is designed to help consumers complete their shopping in the busy days leading up to Easter. Specific hours can be found in-store or on Biedronka's website.

As the holiday weekend draws near, it’s crucial for shoppers to be aware of the trading restrictions and plan accordingly. The law limiting trading on Sundays and holidays, which has been in effect since March 1, 2018, aims to provide a better work-life balance for employees in the retail sector. However, it can also create challenges for consumers, especially during peak shopping seasons like Easter.

For those wondering about shopping options on Easter Sunday, it is clear that most major retailers will not be open. However, essential items can still be purchased at petrol stations, pharmacies, kiosks, and airports. Additionally, some convenience stores like Żabka and Carrefour Express will remain open, with Żabka typically operating from 10:00 to 20:00 (10 AM to 8 PM) and Carrefour Express often open until 23:00 (11 PM).

In summary, shoppers should take note of the limited hours on Wielka Sobota and the closures on Easter Sunday and Monday. With careful planning, consumers can ensure they have everything they need for their holiday celebrations. As always, it's best to check local store hours and availability before heading out to shop.