As the Czech Republic prepares to celebrate the Day of Establishment of the Independent Czechoslovak State, shoppers will need to plan ahead. On Monday, October 28th, stores larger than 200 square meters, including major supermarkets, will be required to close their doors.
This closure extends beyond just grocery stores. The Czech Trade Inspection Authority spokesperson, František Kotrba, clarified that the ban also applies to pawnshops, second-hand stores, and waste collection facilities, regardless of their size. The authority will be monitoring compliance and issuing fines to those who violate the law.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Shops in bus and train stations, as well as airports, will remain open to cater to travelers. Additionally, stores in healthcare facilities, pharmacies, and gas stations are exempt from these restrictions.
While some areas in the Olomouc and Moravian-Silesian regions are under a state of emergency due to recent floods, granting them an exemption until early November, many large retail chains have opted to close regardless. Lidl, Albert, Penny, and Kaufland have all announced that they will keep their stores closed on the holiday.
For consumers, the message is clear: stock up on essentials before the holiday. As Iveta Barabášová from Lidl told Novinky, “All our stores will be closed on Monday, October 28th. Regular opening hours apply on other days.”