Four days without trading in December. Large chains will face a challenge

In 2026, Christmas Eve falls on a Thursday, leading to a four-day closure of large stores in Poland. This extended break poses challenges for retailers, particularly regarding perishable goods. The last opportunity for significant shopping will be December 23, before the holiday and a non-trading Sunday on December 27. The Polish Organization of Trade and Distribution (POHiD) acknowledges the difficulties in managing stock levels and product freshness during this period. While the risk of losses increases for items with short shelf lives, stores are not required to sell all fresh products before the closure, as quality and storage conditions are crucial.