On February 23, 2025, shoppers across Poland will face restrictions due to the country’s stringent Sunday trading ban. Most large retailers, including popular chains such as Lidl, Biedronka, Auchan, and Kaufland, will remain closed, leaving many consumers wondering where they can shop for groceries and essentials.
This prohibition is part of the broader law introduced on March 1, 2018, gradually phasing out Sunday trading. Initially, some allowances were made, but since 2020, shopping is permitted only on seven designated Sundays each year. Remarkably, due to new legislative updates, 2025 has been designated with even fewer trading Sundays, now totaling only eight.
February 23 is explicitly classified as a non-trading Sunday, meaning consumers will need to seek alternatives for their shopping needs. "Niedziela 23 lutego nie jest niedzielą handlową. To oznacza, że zakupy będzie można zrobić jedynie w takich punktach jak stacje benzynowe, placówki pocztowe, apteki..." states TVN24.pl, highlighting the constraints consumers must navigate on this day.
This non-trading Sunday marks yet another point where the restrictions impact Polish consumers, especially following the holiday season when many are eager to replenish supplies. The closest trading Sunday after February 23 will not occur until April 13, 2025, meaning those who do not shop on prior Saturday must wait for nearly two months to access large retail options.
On this non-trading Sunday, consumers are still able to shop at specific establishments permitted to operate under the law. These include small neighborhood shops, local franchises, and gas stations, which provide basic groceries and essentials. According to INFOR.PL, "Zgodnie z ustawą, zakaz handlu nie obowiązuje na stacjach paliw płynnych, w placówkach handlowych, w których przeważająca działalność polega na handlu kwiatami..." This highlights the unique exemptions built within the regulations, which allow for some level of commerce even when most retailers are shuttered.
For example, stores like Żabka, which primarily rely on owner-operated management, can remain open on these Sundays, as long as the owner is on site personally managing operations. This exception is significant for customers needing quick access to food items or necessities. Shoppers hoping to purchase larger quantities of goods, such as household supplies, will find themselves limited to the small, local shops or potentially face the challenge of online shopping.
With the law dictifying very limited Sundays for shopping, consumers need to adapt. Those considering online shopping will find opportunities to have groceries and other products delivered, as many e-commerce platforms operate regardless of traditional trading restrictions. For larger urban areas equipped with these delivery services, shopping remains accessible even during non-trading Sundays, allowing customers to keep their cabinets stocked.
Despite public outcry and the eagerness for expanded trading days, no significant changes to the existing law have been finalized. The 2018 legislation retains its full force, with only minor adjustments, such as adding more trading Sundays during the festive season. This inertia highlights the struggle retailers face during these constraints and the challenges being advocated against the current legislative framework.
Consumers hoping for relief from these tight restrictions may have to wait longer than desired, with discussions around altering the existing laws indicating no immediate changes. Currently, shoppers must plan accordingly, ensuring all essentials are procured by Saturday evening or during allowable hours through smaller retailers.
So, as February 23 arrives, consumers will inevitably face closed doors at major retail giants, shifting their focus to nearby neighborhood stores or exploring online solutions. With another non-trading Sunday looming and only eight limited shopping days across the calendar year, maintaining adept shopping strategies becomes increasingly important.
For those who frequently rely on big-box stores, it may be wise to adjust shopping habits or prepare for greater reliance on local small businesses. The next prime opportunity for large shopping outings will come on April 13, 2025, marking the return of trading Sundays. Until then, Polish consumers will need to navigate their shopping choices carefully, make the most of the limited trading options, and rely on available resources on non-trading days.