Poland has some of the strictest trading laws in Europe regarding Sunday shopping. Since the introduction of the „Sunday trading ban” in March 2018, most large stores and supermarkets must remain closed on Sundays, with only a few exceptions throughout the year.

The purpose of this regulation was to support family life, encourage workers to rest, and boost smaller, locally-owned businesses. It also reflects cultural values deeply rooted in Poland’s predominantly Catholic society, where Sunday is traditionally a day of rest.

Sundays in 2025

Despite the general ban, several Sundays each year are designated as shopping Sundays, especially around major holidays and seasonal peaks. In 2025, the shopping Sundays are:

• 26 January 2025

• 13 April 2025 (before Easter)

• 20 April 2025 (immediate pre-Easter Sunday)

• 28 June 2025 (mid-year clearance sales)

• 30 August 2025 (back-to-school season)

• 13 December 2025 (Christmas shopping season)

• 20 December 2025 (final Christmas shopping Sunday)

These days allow major retailers like Biedronka, Lidl, Auchan, Carrefour, and shopping malls such as Galeria Mokotów in Warsaw and Galeria Krakowska in Kraków to open fully.

3. Non-Working Days (Public Holidays) in Poland 2025

Besides regular Sundays, Poland observes several public holidays when commercial activity almost completely stops. The main public holidays in Poland during which shops are closed include:

• 1 January 2025 – New Year’s Day (Nowy Rok)

• 6 January 2025 – Epiphany (Święto Trzech Króli)

• 20 April 2025 – Easter Sunday (Wielkanoc)

• 21 April 2025 – Easter Monday (Poniedziałek Wielkanocny)

• 1 May 2025 – Labour Day (Święto Pracy)

• 3 May 2025 – Constitution Day (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja)

• 8 June 2025 – Pentecost (Zielone Świątki)

• 19 June 2025 – Corpus Christi (Boże Ciało)

• 15 August 2025 – Assumption of Mary (Wniebowzięcie Najświętszej Maryi Panny)

• 1 November 2025 – All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych)

• 11 November 2025 – Independence Day (Narodowe Święto Niepodległości)

• 25 December 2025 – Christmas Day (Boże Narodzenie)

• 26 December 2025 – Boxing Day (Drugi Dzień Świąt Bożego Narodzenia)

On these days, virtually all shopping centers, supermarkets, and most small shops are closed, with only essential services operating.

4. Exceptions to the Sunday Trading Ban

Not every type of business is affected by the Sunday shopping law. Several categories are allowed to operate freely:

• Bakeries and pastry shops
  
  (e.g., Piekarnia Lubaszka, Putka Bakery operate normally)

• Gas stations and associated stores
  
  (e.g., BP Polska, Orlen shops stay open)

• Pharmacies
  
  (Apteka Dr.Max, Super-Pharm remain accessible)

• Convenience stores operated by the owner
  
  (e.g., Żabka outlets often open on Sundays if the owner works)

• Shops in hotels, airports, train stations
  
  (e.g., Relay, 1 Minute shops inside transportation hubs)

Moreover, in tourist destinations like Zakopane, Gdańsk Old Town, and parts of Kraków, small shops often operate under special allowances aimed at supporting tourism.

5. Where You Can Still Shop on Non-Trading Sundays

Even on non-shopping Sundays, several options remain for urgent needs:

• Żabka stores – Poland’s largest convenience chain often stays open with limited hours.

• Carrefour Express – Smaller format Carrefour shops operated by franchisees.

• Local gas stations – Stores inside Orlen, Shell, and BP are usually well-stocked.

• Online shopping – Platforms like Allegro.pl, Amazon.pl, and eObuwie.pl offer home delivery even when physical stores are closed.

• Farmer’s markets – Open-air markets may function under special local permissions.

6. Impact on Retailers and Consumers

The Sunday trading ban has reshaped the Polish retail landscape significantly:

• Large supermarket chains such as Biedronka, Lidl, and Auchan focus on boosting Saturday promotions and weekday sales.

• Shopping malls organize special events to attract crowds on trading Sundays.

• E-commerce growth – Platforms like Allegro.pl and Empik.com have seen increased online sales, especially around closed days.

• Consumers’ behavior – Poles plan their shopping more carefully, leading to higher spending on Fridays and Saturdays.

• Small businesses – Family-owned shops benefit from less competition from hypermarkets on Sundays.

7. Conclusion: Planning Your Shopping in Poland 2025

If you’re living in or visiting Poland in 2025, it’s essential to be aware of the shopping calendar. Planning ahead for groceries, gifts, and essentials around non-trading Sundays and public holidays will save you time and stress.

Key tips:

• Check if your nearest Żabka is open.

• Utilize online shopping platforms.

• Always double-check holiday hours for shopping malls and supermarkets.

For the official list of trading Sundays and public holidays, you can visit gov.pl – Ministry of Development and Technology.

FAQs about Shopping Sundays in Poland 2025

1. How many shopping Sundays are there in Poland in 2025?

There are seven shopping Sundays scheduled for 2025, mainly around Easter, summer sales, and Christmas.

2. Are small shops allowed to open on non-shopping Sundays?

Yes, if the owner operates the store personally, small shops like Żabka often stay open on Sundays.

3. What stores remain open every Sunday in Poland?

Pharmacies, gas station shops, bakeries, and airport/train station stores are allowed to open on any Sunday.

4. Is online shopping available on Sundays in Poland?

Yes, platforms like Allegro.pl and Amazon.pl operate normally with deliveries scheduled even around holidays.

5. Are shopping malls open on public holidays?

No, shopping malls are closed on public holidays like Christmas, Easter, and Independence Day.

6. Which supermarkets are most popular for shopping in Poland?

Biedronka, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan, and Kaufland are among the most visited supermarket chains.

7. Are there any special sales events despite the trading ban?

Yes, events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas markets still offer significant discounts.