E. Leclerc hypermarket in Radom opens every Sunday via reading‑club loophole

Since 14 June 2026 the E. Leclerc hypermarket on Toruńska 1 in Radom has been operating on all Sundays, including those designated as non‑trading days under Poland’s Sunday trade ban. The store justified the continuous opening by establishing a “Reader’s Club” and a small library corner, invoking the legal exception that permits cultural‑activity premises to remain open.

The move has reignited debate over the scope of the ban. Trade‑union Solidarity, represented by Alfred Bujara, claims the practice circumvents the law’s intent and urges tougher penalties, noting that fines for violations range from 1,000 zł to 100,000 zł. Courts have previously ruled that merely creating a reading area does not change a store’s primary commercial character, but each case is assessed individually.

Polish legislation allows numerous exemptions – fuel stations, pharmacies, postal points, and stores where the owner works at the counter – and the reading‑club model is the latest strategy retailers are using to maintain seven‑day service. The schedule for permitted Sunday trading in 2026 includes eight specific dates, the next being 28 June.