Easter in 2025 falls on Sunday, April 20, and many people are wondering whether stores will be open and where they can shop during this holiday. The answer is clear: on Easter Sunday, April 20, stores are generally closed, but there are exceptions.
Most major retail chains will be closed on Easter Sunday, including Biedronka, Lidl, Kaufland, Auchan, and Carrefour. According to the Act on restricting trade on Sundays and public holidays, April 20, 2025, is a day free from trade. This means that most popular retail chains will shut down their operations completely.
However, some smaller stores may remain open on Easter. These include local shops such as Żabka, gas stations with food products, shops in tourist areas, and establishments run by individual owners. For those wondering whether Żabka will be open on Easter, selected stores may indeed be open, but this is dependent on the franchisee's decision. The hours of operation will likely be shorter than usual.
In fact, on Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, most stores shortened their working hours, closing by 1:00 PM or 1:30 PM. Some Żabka stores operated until 2:00 PM. Therefore, it's advisable to plan any last-minute shopping before Easter, as many stores will not reopen until after the holiday.
On Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, markets and shopping malls will also be closed. The trade ban in Poland on these two days means that shopping will be quite limited. Nevertheless, many Żabka stores are expected to reopen, with hours varying from 9 AM to 9 PM, 10 AM to 11 PM, or even 12 PM to 8 PM.
As Easter approaches, it’s crucial to check the hours of your nearest Żabka store through their mobile app or website. Many stores will post notices about their hours, and it’s wise to verify this information ahead of time.
The nearest shopping Sunday after Easter will fall on April 27, 2025. According to the law, shopping will be permitted on eight Sundays throughout 2025, with the first one occurring at the end of April. This law has gradually restricted shopping on Sundays since its enactment in 2018, limiting the number of Sundays when shopping is allowed.
For those who may be unaware, the trade ban does not apply to gas stations, pharmacies, flower shops, and other specific establishments. These exceptions mean that while most stores will be closed, there are still options available for essential purchases.
It’s important to remember that the penalties for violating the trade ban can be severe, ranging from fines of 1,000 to 100,000 PLN. Businesses that repeatedly break these regulations may face even stricter consequences, including potential restrictions on their operations.
In summary, as Easter approaches, shoppers should prepare for limited options on April 20 and 21. With most major retailers closed, planning ahead will be essential to ensure that you have everything you need for the holiday. Local shops, particularly those in tourist areas or owned by individuals, may provide some shopping opportunities, but it’s best to check their hours in advance.
As Easter is the most significant holiday in the Catholic Church, it is observed with great reverence in Poland, leading to widespread closures. This year, as always, the focus will be on family gatherings and traditional celebrations, making it all the more important to plan your shopping accordingly. Happy Easter!
