Division Among Poles on Reinstating Sunday Shopping: A Shift in Perspective

Division Among Poles on Reinstating Sunday Shopping: A Shift in Perspective

In a recent survey conducted by UCE Research in September, it's clear that Poles are divided on the issue of reinstating Sunday shopping. The survey revealed that 54% of respondents oppose the current Sunday trading ban, while 72% believe changes are inevitable. However, the support for lifting the restrictions is not unanimous, with half of the respondents hoping for a partial or complete lifting of the ban and the other half wanting to maintain the status quo.

A Significant Drop in Support

The survey also showed that support for reinstating Sunday shopping has decreased by 8 percentage points to 46%, with 44% against it and 10% undecided. This marks a significant drop in support compared to previous surveys.

UCE Research spokesperson, Anna Nowak, commented on the findings, "The initial strong support for reverting to all Sundays being open for shopping has waned, and the current sentiment reflects a more even split. The government has not taken any steps towards lifting the ban, and experts predict that support for Sunday shopping may continue to decline if no action is taken."

Urban vs Rural Divide

The survey highlights a division among Poles on the issue, with supporters being primarily consumers from large cities with a higher income, while opponents are mainly from smaller cities with lower income. Women, people aged 55-64, those with lower income and secondary education, and residents of cities with a population of 50-99 thousand are more likely to oppose the reintroduction of Sunday shopping.

Balancing Economic Growth and Work-Life Balance

The debate over Sunday trading is not a simple one. On one hand, supporters argue that lifting the ban would boost economic growth and provide consumers with more convenience. On the other hand, opponents believe that maintaining the ban is essential for preserving work-life balance and allowing workers to spend quality time with their families.

As the divide among Poles continues, it remains to be seen whether the government will take action to address the issue. For now, the future of Sunday shopping in Poland remains uncertain.

As of February 12, 2024, the debate over Sunday trading continues to be a contentious issue in Poland. While supporters and opponents of the ban are of similar size, the recent survey by UCE Research and the Offerista Group reveals a significant drop in support for reinstating Sunday shopping. As Poles weigh the benefits and drawbacks of lifting the ban, the government must consider the economic and social implications of their decision.

In the end, the decision on Sunday trading is not just about economics, but also about the values and priorities of Polish society. Whether Poles prioritize economic growth or work-life balance, the outcome of this debate will have a lasting impact on the country's future.