Retailer Exploits Legal Loophole to Open Every Sunday

An E.Leclerc store in Radom has begun operating seven days a week by registering as a reading room, effectively bypassing Poland’s restrictive Sunday trade ban starting June 14, 2026.

A Clever Workaround for Sunday Trade Bans

The prohibition on Sunday retail in Poland is increasingly viewed as a fiction by some operators. A popular supermarket chain has identified a strategic loophole in the regulations, announcing that one of its locations will now be open seven days a week.

The specific case involves the E.Leclerc store located at Toruńska 1 in Radom. Since June 14, 2026, customers have been able to shop there daily by utilizing a legal exemption intended for entities engaged in reading-related activities.

The Reading Room Strategy

To operate legally, the retailer established a “Reading Corner” inside the market. Customers become members of the newly formed Readers’ Club by completing a brief form at the customer service desk, granting them access to the library collection while shopping.

Following this organizational change, the store proudly announced its new operating hours on social media. The market is now open every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The 2026 Sunday Trading Calendar

Under current Polish law, Sunday trade is heavily restricted, with only eight Sundays in 2026 designated as “trading Sundays” where all stores and shopping malls may remain open. This schedule is designed to facilitate shopping during pre-holiday and seasonal transitions.

Planning is essential for consumers, as there are six months in 2026 without a single trading Sunday. Breaking the trade ban during these periods carries severe penalties for retailers, and the next nationwide trading Sunday is not scheduled until June 28.