In Poland, the question of whether Sunday, April 27, 2025, will be a shopping Sunday has been answered with a resounding yes. This date marks a significant moment for Polish consumers, as it falls between Easter and the May holiday, allowing people to stock up on essentials and indulge in retail therapy.
The law regulating Sunday shopping, which was introduced on March 1, 2018, has undergone changes over the years. Initially, the legislation aimed to gradually restrict trade on Sundays, allowing only a few exceptions. As of 2020, the ban on Sunday shopping applied to all but seven Sundays each year: the last Sundays of January, April, June, and August, as well as the Sunday before Easter and the two Sundays leading up to Christmas. However, with new regulations set to take effect in 2025, the number of shopping Sundays has increased to eight.
April 27, 2025, is one of those designated shopping Sundays, meaning that all shops and shopping centers will be open for business. This is particularly timely as it comes just before the long May weekend, prompting many to take advantage of the opportunity to shop.
According to Gazeta.pl, the next shopping Sunday after April 27 will occur on June 29, 2025, providing consumers with another chance to shop at larger supermarkets and retail chains.
On the shopping Sunday itself, various retailers have announced their hours of operation. Biedronka, one of the leading supermarket chains in Poland, has confirmed that over 3,500 of its stores will remain open until 10 PM on April 27. This extended hours policy is designed to accommodate the expected influx of shoppers.
However, not all retailers have provided the same level of clarity regarding their hours. Lidl, for instance, has not issued a specific announcement about extended hours, so individual store closing times may vary. Typically, Lidl stores close between 7 PM and 8 PM on Sundays. Similarly, Carrefour has not established uniform operating hours for its locations, which usually close between 8 PM and 10 PM.
Auchan supermarkets present a mixed picture as well. In larger cities, they may remain open until 9 PM, but in smaller towns, some could close as early as 5 PM. Dino stores will generally close at 8 PM, while Netto's closing times can range from 8 PM to 9 PM, depending on the location.
For franchise stores like Żabka, the hours can be even more unpredictable. According to their franchise agreement, stores should remain open until 11 PM on shopping Sundays, but this can vary based on the franchisee's discretion. Carrefour Express stores also exhibit varied hours, with some closing as early as 6 PM, while others may operate around the clock.
As the shopping Sunday approaches, consumers are encouraged to check the specific hours of their local stores, as these can vary significantly. This is especially important for smaller franchise shops that may not follow the same hours as larger chains.
In addition to the larger supermarkets, smaller stores and certain types of establishments are exempt from the Sunday trading ban. Gas stations, 24-hour pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes are allowed to operate as usual, providing shoppers with alternative options on non-shopping Sundays.
The ongoing adjustments to the Sunday shopping regulations reflect a broader trend in Poland's retail landscape. The government has been responsive to consumer demand for more shopping flexibility, especially as weekends often provide the only opportunity for many to shop due to their work schedules during the week.
Despite the changes, the core of the law remains intact, as it aims to protect workers' rights by limiting the number of hours they are required to work on weekends. Article 5 of the Act of January 10, 2018, explicitly states that trade and related activities are prohibited on Sundays and public holidays, with certain exceptions outlined for specific types of businesses.
As we look ahead, the next shopping Sundays in 2025 include June 29, August 31, December 7, December 14, and December 21. Each of these dates offers consumers additional opportunities to shop in larger markets and retail chains, enhancing the shopping experience in Poland.
In conclusion, April 27, 2025, stands out as a key date for Polish consumers eager to take advantage of the shopping Sunday. With a variety of stores open and ready to welcome shoppers, it promises to be a busy day in the retail sector.
