The long-awaited May holiday weekend is approaching, and with it comes a series of changes in retail operations across Poland. As the first of May draws near, shoppers are left wondering when and where they can make their purchases during this festive time. In 2025, the May holiday period will see varying store hours, with some larger hypermarkets closing their doors while smaller outlets remain open.
On May 1, 2025, which is International Labor Day, most major hypermarkets such as Lidl, Biedronka, Dino, and Auchan will be closed. This closure is in line with Poland's laws restricting trade on public holidays. However, smaller stores like Żabka, ABC, and Lewiatan, as well as minimarkets from Stokrotka and Carrefour, will still be available for shoppers looking for essentials.
In anticipation of the holiday weekend, Biedronka has announced a special shopping marathon, extending its hours significantly. On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, Biedronka stores will be open from 5:30 AM until midnight, allowing customers ample time to stock up on supplies before the holiday closures.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Biedronka will continue this trend, operating from midnight to 11:30 PM. "This year, we return to a proven model from the pandemic period, offering a flexible solution for all Poles: a 42-hour shopping marathon," stated Paweł Stolecki, the operational director and board member of Biedronka.
For those looking to shop at Lidl on April 30, the stores will be open during their standard hours, from 6 AM to 10 PM, with some locations potentially extending their hours. Meanwhile, Carrefour has no plans to adjust its opening times, and Dino will operate from 6 AM to 10:30 PM on that day. Netto stores will be open even longer, from 6 AM to 11 PM, as will Aldi, which will also extend its hours to 11 PM.
As the holiday weekend progresses, shoppers should note that May 1 is a statutory holiday, meaning that larger stores will remain closed. However, small family-run shops and franchises like Żabka and Carrefour Express may still open, depending on the owner's discretion. Typically, these smaller outlets will operate under reduced hours, often from 10 AM to 8 PM.
May 2, 2025, marks Polish Flag Day, which is not a public holiday, thus most stores will be open. Biedronka will welcome customers from 6 AM to 11:30 PM, while Aldi will be available from 6 AM to 11 PM. Lidl will also serve customers during its standard hours, consistent with any typical Friday. Carrefour will maintain its regular hours, and Polomarket stores will be open until 10 PM, with some locations in seaside towns potentially extending their hours until 11:30 PM. Netto supermarkets will also be operational from 6 AM to 11 PM.
On Saturday, May 3, 2025, which commemorates the Constitution Day, most major stores will close again, adhering to the statutory holiday regulations. Similar to May 1, small family-run shops and gas stations may remain open, offering limited services and products.
Finally, Sunday, May 4, 2025, is designated as a non-trading Sunday, meaning that most stores will again be closed, except for gas stations and select small shops, which will operate under the same restrictions as previous non-trading Sundays. Therefore, shoppers looking to restock will have to wait until Monday, May 5, 2025, for the first normal shopping day after the holiday weekend.
As the May holiday approaches, many people are planning their getaways, barbecues, and gatherings. Given the limited shopping options during this period, it is advisable for consumers to plan their purchases in advance to avoid running into difficulties during the holiday. The best days for shopping will be April 30 and May 2, ensuring that everyone is well-prepared for the celebrations ahead.
In summary, the May holiday weekend in 2025 will see a mix of closures and extended hours, with larger stores shutting down on significant holidays while smaller outlets may provide essential services. Consumers are encouraged to take advantage of the extended hours on April 29 and 30, as well as May 2, to ensure they have everything they need for the holiday festivities.
