Shopping August 23. Will shopping malls and stores be open?

Holiday weekend and suddenly you run out of necessary products? We check where you can shop on Sunday, August 23.

This is the penultimate Sunday of this year’s summer holidays. For many people, it will be an opportunity to rest, meet loved ones, spend time outdoors or catch up on household chores.

However, it is worth remembering that August 23 is a non-trading Sunday. This means that the vast majority of large stores and shopping malls will not open their doors to customers. However, the Act provides for several exceptions, so the purchase of the most necessary products will still be possible.

Where will we shop on August 23?

On a non-trading Sunday, the following may be open:

gas stations,
pharmacies and pharmacy points,
flower shops,
restaurants, bars and cafes,
post offices that meet statutory conditions,
small shops where the owner stands behind the counter.

These are the places where it will be easiest to shop or get the necessary products.

Opening hours may vary

Although some branches also operate on non-trading Sundays, it is worth checking their opening hours in advance. This applies especially to local shops run by owners. In turn, gas stations and many pharmacies operate 24 hours a day or with extended hours.

Before leaving home, it is a good idea to visit the store’s website or check information in mobile applications. This will avoid unnecessary visits to closed premises.

Trading Sunday is just a week away

You won’t have to wait long for your next shopping opportunity in large stores and shopping malls. A week later, on August 30, there will be trading Sunday. This will be the last such Sunday until December.

In 2026, unlimited trading will be possible on the following Sundays:

January 25,
March 29,
April 26,
June 28,
August 30,
December 6,
December 13,
December 20.

Poles no longer want more shopping Sundays?

Poles’ attitude towards the Sunday trading ban is still divided. SW Research checked this issue in a survey conducted for “Wprost”. The study shows that 43.9 percent respondents are in favor of abolishing the current restrictions. 41.3% are of the opposite opinion. respondents, while 14.8 percent respondents have no opinion on this matter.

The difference between supporters and opponents of lifting the ban is therefore small. The topic may return to the political debate, especially if the issue of restoring a larger number of shopping Sundays again becomes one of the elements of campaign promises.

FAQ – frequently asked questions about shopping Sundays

Since when is the ban on trading on Sundays in force?

Restrictions on Sunday trading came into force in Poland on March 1, 2018. Initially, the ban covered only some Sundays, and the number of shopping days gradually decreased

Can I do any shopping on a non-trading Sunday?

Yes. The ban does not apply to all establishments. On non-trading Sundays, the following companies operate: gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, flower shops and some small shops where the owner is responsible for sales.

Are shopping malls open on non-shopping Sundays?

Most shopping malls remain closed on trade ban Sundays. However, service, catering and entertainment premises located there may operate if the regulations allow it.