Polish retailer opens on Sundays by exploiting reading‑club loophole

A major Polish retail chain has begun opening its stores on Sundays that are normally prohibited by law. The company created an ancillary service linked to book lending, allowing it to qualify for an exception that permits "reading clubs" to operate on non‑trading days. By registering this activity, the retailer can keep its doors open while technically complying with the legislation.

Unions argue the move circumvents the spirit of the Sunday‑trading ban, warning that "przepisy są obchodzone" (the regulations are being bypassed). Critics say the loophole undermines workers’ guaranteed days off, while supporters claim the chain is operating within legal bounds. Courts have previously examined similar cases to determine whether the supplementary activity is genuine or a formal pretense. The controversy has reignited public debate over the future of Sunday commerce in Poland.