As Easter approaches, many shoppers in Poland are gearing up for the holiday by stocking up on groceries and other essentials. To accommodate the increased demand, several major retail chains are extending their hours in the lead-up to the holiday, ensuring that customers can shop at their convenience.
Starting from April 14 to April 18, 2025, Biedronka, one of Poland's largest supermarket chains, will keep over 3,200 of its stores open until at least 11:30 PM or later. This initiative is aimed at helping customers manage their shopping schedules during the busy Easter period.
Similarly, Aldi will also extend its hours from April 17 to April 19, 2025. On Holy Thursday, April 17, and Good Friday, April 18, Aldi stores will be open from 6:00 AM until 11:00 PM, allowing shoppers to avoid the last-minute rush.
Netto has joined the trend, opening its stores from 6:00 AM to either 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM during the same pre-Easter week. Carrefour hypermarkets will also remain open until 11:00 PM on both Holy Thursday and Good Friday.
On the other hand, Lidl will maintain its usual operating hours throughout the pre-Easter week, which means no extended hours for this popular chain.
As for Holy Saturday, April 19, 2025, shoppers will still have the opportunity to make last-minute purchases, but they should be aware that stores will close earlier than usual. Most supermarkets and discount stores will operate until 2:00 PM due to the trade ban in place after that time. Specifically, Biedronka will close all its stores at 1:30 PM, while Netto, Dino, Carrefour, and Auchan will close at 1:00 PM. Aldi will also be open until 1:30 PM on Holy Saturday, but customers are advised to check specific store hours online before heading out.
It's important to note that Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, which fall on April 20 and April 21, 2025, respectively, are public holidays in Poland. On these days, most large supermarkets, discount stores, and shopping centers will be closed. However, small neighborhood shops and gas stations may still be open, depending on the owner's discretion.
The trade restrictions on Sundays and holidays in Poland stem from the Act of January 10, 2018, which limits trading activities on these days. This law prohibits trade and related activities in commercial establishments, but there are exceptions that allow certain types of businesses to operate.
For those who prefer to avoid the holiday rush, shopping on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, is a viable option. Since Good Friday is not a public holiday, most supermarkets and regular markets will operate during their standard hours. Retailers such as Biedronka, Auchan, Carrefour, Lidl, Aldi, Kaufland, and Netto typically remain open until 11:00 PM, making it a convenient day for shoppers to replenish their supplies.
As Easter Sunday approaches, it’s crucial for shoppers to plan ahead. While many supermarkets will be closed on Easter Sunday, small stores like Żabka, Carrefour Express, and local shops may remain open. The operating hours for these establishments will vary, depending on the owner's preferences, so customers should check for specific hours before heading out.
On Easter Monday, the situation remains similar, with most larger markets closed. However, small shops and bakeries may open their doors, provided they comply with the legal requirements for holiday trading.
In summary, with Easter just around the corner, Polish shoppers are encouraged to take advantage of extended shopping hours leading up to the holiday. However, they should also be mindful of the changes in store operating hours on Holy Saturday and the closures on Easter Sunday and Monday. Planning ahead will ensure a smooth shopping experience, allowing families to focus on celebrating the holiday together.
