Most stores in Poland will be closed today, March 22, 2026, as it is a non-trading Sunday. However, smaller convenience stores, particularly the Żabka chain and gas stations will remain open for business.
The current regulations in Poland restrict trade on most Sundays, allowing only eight Sundays per year for unrestricted shopping. These designated Sundays are linked to seasonal increases in retail activity, including pre-holiday periods and the summer months. Today, March 22nd, does not fall within that list of permitted trading days.
Larger supermarkets such as Biedronka, Lidl, Kaufland, Auchan, and Carrefour will be closed, impacting shoppers who typically rely on weekend grocery runs. Exceptions to the Sunday trading ban include small, privately-owned shops operated by their owners, pharmacies, gas stations, bakeries, and confectionery shops. Stores located on train stations and airports are also permitted to operate.
For those planning to shop at Żabka stores, they will be open as usual, as these convenience stores often operate as franchise businesses and are exempt from the restrictions. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and flower shops are also generally permitted to open on Sundays.
The next permitted Sunday for unrestricted trade in Poland is March 29, 2026. The eight trading Sundays scheduled for 2026 are: January 25th, March 29th, April 26th, June 28th, August 30th, December 6th, December 13th, and December 20th.
Legislative efforts to amend the Sunday trading regulations have stalled in recent years. In both 2024 and 2025, the Polish parliament did not pass any changes to the existing law. Currently, the regulations remain unchanged, maintaining the eight-Sunday limit for unrestricted trade. A recent amendment did add the third Sunday in December as a trading day, to facilitate pre-Christmas shopping.
Further proposals to partially relax the ban, shorten opening hours, or expand the list of exemptions are still under consideration by parliamentary committees. As of now, no changes are expected to the current regulations for 2026, meaning shoppers will continue to be limited to the eight designated trading Sundays, with Żabka stores and smaller establishments providing the primary retail options on other Sundays.
