From 1 February 2025, new regulations on Sunday trading restrictions come into force in Poland. These changes require both retailers and consumers to adapt to a new working regime. Let's take a closer look at what changes the Polish retail market can expect.
The main change is a reduction in the number of trading Sundays to eight per year. Under the new rules, shopping will be permitted on the following Sundays:
It is worth noting that in December there will now be three trading Sundays instead of two, as was previously the case. This was introduced for the convenience of shoppers during the pre-Christmas period.
Another important change concerns Christmas Eve (24 December). From 2025, this day has officially been declared a public holiday. Previously, shops were allowed to operate on 24 December until 14:00, but now the day will be entirely free from trading.
The Sunday trading ban law provides for certain exceptions. On non-trading Sundays, purchases can still be made at the following types of outlets:
The new Sunday trading rules in Poland are a continuation of the policy introduced in 2018. They are aimed at striking a balance between economic interests and social values. For consumers, trading Sundays mean the need to plan purchases further in advance, taking into account the limited number of such days throughout the year. At the same time, the rules may have a certain impact on the economy, particularly in the retail sector.
Time will tell how these changes affect consumer shopping habits and the country's economy as a whole.
From 1 February 2025, Poland allows shopping on eight Sundays per year. Three of them fall in December, which is one more than before, to make pre-Christmas shopping easier for consumers.
Shops may open on the last Sunday of January, 13 April, 27 April, 29 June, 31 August, and 7, 14 and 21 December. The 26 January date had already passed when the new rules took effect.
Yes, from 2025 Christmas Eve (24 December) is officially a public holiday in Poland. Previously shops could operate until 14:00 on that day, but now trading is entirely off.
Exceptions include petrol stations, florists, pharmacies, confectionery shops, press kiosks, and shops at railway stations and airports. Outlets where postal services bring in at least 40% of total revenue are also allowed to trade.
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