As the Czech Republic prepares to celebrate St. Wenceslas Day on September 28th, shoppers should be aware of significant changes to store operations. Large retailers across the country will be shuttering their doors, prompting citizens to plan ahead for their weekend needs.
The closure affects all stores with a sales area exceeding 200 square meters. This includes not just the shopping floor, but also fitting rooms, counter spaces, and areas behind counters used by staff, as clarified by František Kotrba, spokesperson for the Czech Trade Inspection Authority.
However, not all hope is lost for last-minute shoppers. Exceptions to this rule include stores at bus and train stations, airports, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and gas stations. These establishments will remain open to serve travelers and those in need of essential items.
The closure isn’t limited to supermarkets. Pawnshops, second-hand stores, and waste collection facilities will also be affected, regardless of their size. This comprehensive approach aims to ensure a day of rest for retail workers across various sectors.
While this may inconvenience some, it’s part of a broader law that restricts sales on several holidays throughout the year. These include Christmas Eve (from noon), both Christmas Days, New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, and other significant national holidays.
The future of this practice, however, remains uncertain. The ODS party has proposed a bill to abolish these restrictions, arguing that they limit business freedom. However, the current government coalition is divided on the issue, with TOP 09 supporting the change and the Christian Democrats opposing it.
As the debate continues, citizens are advised to stock up on essentials before Saturday. Whether this tradition will persist in the coming years remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a reminder of the balance between commerce and national observance in the Czech Republic.