So, let’s dive into it! In 2023, stores in Poland will be open on 7 Sundays. Let me tell you, these are known as 'trade Sundays’. On the other Sundays, shops will be shut due to a law that restricts trading on Sundays and holidays. But don’t worry, I’ll let you know when these trade Sundays are going to be in 2023.
The Shop Opening Times in Poland
If you’re wondering about weekdays, here’s the thing. Shops and sales places can’t be open for more than 10 hours each day. But hey, there are exceptions. Meat stalls, delicatessens, and grocery stores (those not primarily selling alcohol) can be open for up to 12 hours a day.
Beauty salons and hairdressers also get some leeway. They can keep their doors open for 10 hours on weekdays and up to 12 hours on Saturdays and holidays’ eve. If you’re in the mood for some beverages, sweets, or fruits, you’re in luck. Stalls and kiosks selling these treats can operate all week, but their timings depend on the season.
Street Sales in Poland
Now, for street sales. You can buy newspapers, magazines, and tobacco products from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM on weekdays. Other items, though, can only be sold during shop opening hours.
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Shops Closing Hours in Poland
Most shops and sales places, barring the ones I mentioned earlier, need to close by 7:00 PM. On Saturdays and holidays’ eve, though, they can stay open until 9:00 PM. In some rural communes, local authorities can permit shops to extend their opening hours to 9:00 PM from April 1st to September 30th.
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Exceptions to the Rule
Christmas Eve and Good Friday have special rules. Allow me to explain. On these days, shops can be open only until 6:00 PM. Before Christmas and Easter, trading hours can be extended by two hours on weekdays, and trade is allowed on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Local authorities determine the opening hours of shops and establishments, taking into account the industrial category and local needs.
Breaking the Law – The Consequences
Here’s something I think it is worth to say. People breaking these trading hours regulations can be fined or even arrested.
If these violations are repeated, I believe the penalties can get more severe. So, if you’re in Poland, you need to know these timings and abide by them to enjoy your shopping and avoid any unnecessary trouble!
Understanding 'Trade Sunday’ in Poland
„Trade Sunday”, or niedziela handlowa as we say in Poland, what’s that about? Let me explain. A while back, Poland introduced a partial ban on trading on Sundays.
There are a few exceptions, like some grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, bars, and a few other commercial and service points. Now, you might be asking, why did the government make such a decision? The key motive was to support small businesses.
And don’t worry, you can still go shopping on certain Sundays. I’ve got you covered. I’ll break down all the 'trade Sundays’ in 2023 for you.
Potential Fines for Breaching Sunday Trading Rules
But I think it’s worth saying, businesses can get fined for breaking the ban on Sunday trading. If a shop owner, department store, premises, or gallery operates despite the set restrictions, they could be slapped with a fine of up to five thousand zlotys. If the matter goes to court, the fine can rocket up to 100,000 zlotys.
Where Can You Shop on Non-Trade Sundays?
But, let’s get back to shopping. Where can you shop on non-trade Sundays? I am convinced that you’d find this list handy:
- Veterinary clinics,
- Duty-free zones,
- Transport vehicles,
- Gas stations,
- Postal offices,
- Online stores,
- Flower shops,
- Food establishments, including restaurants, bars, cafes, confectioneries, ice cream parlors, and bakeries,
- Pharmacies, health service facilities, and pharmaceutical wholesalers,
- Funeral homes,
- Establishments located at stations and airports,
- Souvenir shops,
Shops Open On Sundays in Poland in 2023
Let’s see when 'trade Sundays’ happen in 2023 (niedziela handlowa, in our language). I’ve got a list ready for you, and even highlighted the next upcoming date for your convenience:
- January 29,
- April 2,
- April 30,
- June 25,
- August 27,
- December 17,
- December 24.
Special Mention – Christmas Eve Trading Sunday
Now, I can tell you’re wondering, what about trading on Christmas Eve? According to the Act on limiting trade on Sundays, holidays, and certain other days, shops can be open on the two Sundays preceding Christmas Day. In 2023, Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday and according to the Act, it should be a trading Sunday.
- I think you should also read: Explore Retro and Vintage Clothes Shops in Krakow
But let me add something. There’s an ongoing debate. The Polska Organizacja Handlu i Dystrybucji and the Consumers Federation are pusxhing to shift the Christmas Eve trading Sunday to December 10 or 31, so retail employees can use December 24 for last-minute Christmas preparations.
In mid-June, the Minister of Development announced that Christmas Eve Sunday would not be a trading day, but no further details have been released. It is not known if, as a result, trade will be allowed on another Sunday in December (apart from December 17, when shops will be open).
Days Free from Trade in 2023
I believe it’s worth to say, not only most Sundays, but also certain holidays are trade-free days in Poland. So, if you need to do some shopping, better do it earlier. Here’s a list of trade-free holidays in 2023:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day),
- January 6 (Trzech Króli),
- April 9 (Easter Sunday),
- April 10 (Easter Monday),
- May 1 (Labor Day),
- May 3 (Święto Konstytucji 3 Maja),
- June 8 (Corpus Christi),
- August 15 (Święto Wojska Polskiego),
- November 1 (All Saints’ Day),
- November 11 (*Narodowe *Święto* Niepodległości*),
- December 25 (Christmas Day),
- December 26 (Boxing Day).
So, if you’re planning to be in Poland on these dates, mark your calendars and make sure you’ve got everything you need beforehand!
References:
- https://forsal.pl/artykuly/1398040,13-sierpnia-2023-czy-to-niedziela-handlowa.html
- https://www.carrefour.pl/inspiracje/inspiracje-zakupowe/niedziele-handlowe-2022
- https://kadry.infor.pl/kodeks-pracy/czas-pracy/6230498,dlugi-weekend-sierpniowy-czy-13-sierpnia-to-niedziela-handlowa.html
