On April 27, 2025, Poland will observe another trade Sunday, allowing stores to operate freely without the usual restrictions. This marks the second trade Sunday in April and the third of the year, a notable occasion for shoppers.
In 2025, Poland has designated eight Sundays as trade days, with significant dates including January 26, April 13, and April 27, as well as June 29, August 31, and three Sundays in December: the 7th, 14th, and 21st. This year, the December schedule is particularly noteworthy because it includes an additional trade Sunday, a change that has stirred conversations among consumers and retailers alike.
The new rules regarding trade Sundays, which came into effect in February 2025, permit stores to remain open longer than before. This change has been welcomed by many, as it allows for greater shopping flexibility. Major supermarket chains and shopping malls will be open, providing ample opportunities for consumers to shop.
On this trade Sunday, shoppers can expect various hours of operation across different retail chains. For instance, Biedronka will be open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, while Lidl will operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Other stores like Aldi, Dino, and Netto will also have their doors open, with operating hours ranging from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Here’s a detailed breakdown of store hours for April 27:
- Biedronka: 06:00 - 23:00
- Lidl: 09:00 - 20:00
- Aldi: 09:00 - 20:00
- Dino: 08:30 - 20:00
- Netto: 07:00 - 21:00
- Kaufland: 08:00 - 20:00
- Auchan: 08:00 - 21:00
- Carrefour: 09:00 - 19:00
- Żabka: 09:00 - 21:00
Interestingly, this trade Sunday follows the first trade Sunday of April, which occurred on April 13, just before the Easter celebrations. The timing of these Sundays has been strategically planned to coincide with holidays and long weekends, such as the upcoming May Day.
The ongoing debate surrounding the trade ban on Sundays has divided public opinion in Poland. Some appreciate the opportunity to spend quality time with family on Sundays, while others long for the days when shopping was more accessible on weekends. The lifting of the trade ban this Sunday is expected to attract many shoppers eager to take advantage of the convenience and potential sales.
Retailers are also seizing this opportunity to offer special promotions, with Lidl, for example, planning to provide significant discounts on pork neck during this trade Sunday. Such promotions are designed to entice customers and boost sales during this busy shopping period.
Since the introduction of the gradual trade ban on Sundays in March 2018, the landscape of shopping in Poland has changed significantly. The law allows for only seven Sundays a year when the trade ban does not apply, including the last Sundays of January, April, June, and August, as well as the Sunday before Easter. After recent amendments, three additional Sundays in December have also been designated as trade Sundays, coinciding with the Christmas shopping season.
This year’s additional trade Sunday on December 7 is a notable change, introduced alongside a new law that designates Christmas Eve as an official day off for all employees, including those in retail. This amendment aims to provide workers with more time to prepare for the holiday season.
However, the implementation of these laws has not been without controversy. The Polish President Andrzej Duda has raised concerns regarding the introduction of an extra working Sunday in December, referring the law to the Constitutional Tribunal for review. His reservations highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding labor rights and the balance between consumer convenience and employee welfare.
In summary, April 27, 2025, will be a significant day for Polish shoppers as they enjoy the freedom of shopping on a trade Sunday. With various stores open and special promotions available, it promises to be a busy day for both consumers and retailers alike. The upcoming trade Sundays throughout the year, particularly in December, will continue to shape shopping habits in Poland as the country navigates the complexities of trade regulations and consumer expectations.
As shoppers prepare for this trade Sunday, many will be looking forward to not only the convenience of shopping but also the potential savings that come with special promotions. With the evolving landscape of retail in Poland, these trade Sundays are becoming increasingly integral to the shopping experience.
