Trading Ban on August 9: Which Stores Will Be Open Today

As millions of Poles prepare for the weekend, large retail chains and shopping malls will remain closed on Sunday, August 9, 2026, due to the statutory trade ban.

Shopping Sunday on August 9, 2026 and Regulations

Although August is a month that features a shopping Sunday, it falls only at the very end of the month. This means those planning major purchases must use designated outlets exempt from the trade ban or postpone their visits to the beginning of the week.

On Sunday, August 9, 2026, major retail chains, discount stores, and shopping malls across Poland will be closed due to the trade ban affecting most retail facilities and their full-time employees on statutory non-working days.

Purpose and Rules of the Trading Ban

The operation of sales points on non-working days is regulated by Polish law to guarantee retail sector employees the right to regular rest while maintaining the availability of essential services through a closed catalog of exemptions.

In practice, major retail chains such as Biedronka, Lidl, Kaufland, Auchan, and Carrefour cannot operate on Sunday, August 9, 2026.

Where to Shop on August 9, 2026: 32 Exceptions

Regulations provide exactly 32 exemptions from the ban so consumers can still purchase food, medicines, or basic necessities, with a selected group of outlets remaining open on August 9.

Shopping Sundays Calendar 2026

August 2026 will offer shopping across all stores at the end of the month, with the nearest shopping Sunday falling on August 30, 2026, ahead of the new school year.

This year’s schedule includes a total of 8 shopping Sundays, with three planned for December to facilitate pre-holiday shopping under regulations regarding a free Christmas Eve.

Months Without Trade

The 2026 calendar includes entire months without a single shopping Sunday, during which purchases can only be made at statutory exceptions such as gas stations, pharmacies, flower shops, or small neighborhood stores.