On April 13, 2025, shoppers in Poland will enjoy one of the few designated shopping Sundays of the year. This day, also Palm Sunday, allows many stores and shopping malls to open their doors to customers.
As per the current regulations, several major retail chains such as Biedronka, Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland, and Carrefour will be operating, providing an opportunity for consumers to stock up on groceries and other essentials. Biedronka, for instance, will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM, while Lidl will follow a similar schedule. Other stores like Aldi and Kaufland will also be welcoming customers during the day, with Aldi operating from 9 AM to 8 PM and Kaufland from 9 AM to 8 PM.
Carrefour will have slightly different hours, remaining open from 10 AM to 6 PM. Auchan will be available from 8 AM to 9 PM, giving shoppers ample time to make their purchases. Smaller franchise stores, such as Żabka, will also be open, enabling quick access to necessary food items, with many locations operating from 10 AM to 8 PM, and some even offering 24-hour service.
The shopping Sundays in 2025 are limited, with only eight designated days for shopping throughout the year. After April 13, the next shopping Sundays will fall on April 27, June 29, August 31, and three Sundays in December: December 7, 14, and 21. This reduction in shopping Sundays is part of a broader law that has been gradually restricting trade on Sundays since March 1, 2018.
The law, which was enacted to limit Sunday trading, allows for specific exceptions. For instance, trade is permitted on three consecutive Sundays leading up to Christmas, the Sunday before Easter, and the last Sundays of January, April, June, and August. These exceptions aim to accommodate consumer needs during peak shopping periods.
Despite the restrictions, certain types of businesses are exempt from the Sunday trading ban. Gas stations, flower shops, pharmacies, and some small local stores can operate on Sundays, provided the owner is present to conduct sales personally. This means that even on non-trading Sundays, consumers can still find essential items at these locations.
However, the penalties for violating the Sunday trading ban are significant. Businesses that fail to comply can face fines ranging from PLN 1,000 to PLN 100,000. In cases of persistent violations, the penalties can escalate to restrictions on personal freedom.
On February 1, 2025, an amendment to the existing law came into effect, establishing December 24 as a mandatory day off for all retail employees, including those working in stores. Previously, Christmas Eve was considered a working day until 2 PM. This amendment also stipulates that retail employees cannot work more than two Sundays in December.
President Andrzej Duda has recently referred the law regarding free Christmas Eve to the Constitutional Tribunal for review, expressing concerns over the introduction of an additional working Sunday in December for retail employees. This ongoing dialogue about the law reflects the complexities and challenges of balancing consumer access with employee rights.
As shoppers prepare for April 13, it’s essential to plan ahead. With only a few shopping Sundays available, consumers should take advantage of this opportunity to purchase their necessary items. Many people are expected to take to the stores, especially with the arrival of spring and the anticipation of outdoor gatherings and grilling season.
In summary, April 13, 2025, marks a significant shopping day for many in Poland, with major retailers open and ready to serve customers. As the year progresses, shoppers will need to be aware of the limited opportunities for shopping on Sundays and the regulations that govern retail operations.
