Two branches of the E.Leclerc chain in Szczecin and Radom have launched “reading areas” to continue operations on Sundays, circumventing existing trading restrictions, according to reports by “Rzeczpospolita”.
The trading ban in Poland has been in effect for eight years, initially tested vigorously by business owners. Contrary to assumptions that alternative operational methods such as postal offices or reading areas had faded, new initiatives have emerged.
On May 31, 2026, the E.Leclerc store at 15 Rostock Street in Szczecin opened its reading zone, allowing customers to utilize it every Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM while shopping. The store promoted this initiative on Facebook, inviting customers to relax with a good book and enjoy coffee, sweets, and family-friendly offerings.
Radom: A Reading Area Gains Attention
A similar reading area opened on June 14 at the E.Leclerc store located at 1 Toruńska Street in Radom. Posts on social media indicated that this reading area operates every Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM; however, these posts have since disappeared from the store’s profile.
The opening of the reading area attracted media and governmental attention, prompting Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk to request an urgent inspection from the Chief Labour Inspectorate for the Radom E.Leclerc, ensuring oversight of these practices.
E.Leclerc Responds to Allegations
E.Leclerc, in comments to “Rzeczpospolita”, clarified that the decision to establish reading areas is made independently by individual store owners.
Looking ahead to upcoming Sundays, no store is required to find workarounds as the last Sunday of June is traditionally exempt from the trading ban. Following that, stores will also be open on Sundays: August 30, December 6, December 13, and December 20.
