On October 28, 2024, Czechia commemorates Independence Day, marking the founding of an independent Czechoslovakia.

This year, the holiday falls on a Monday, and many stores across the country will be impacted by legal closures. According to Czech law, retail stores with a sales area over 200 m² must remain closed on this day. Here’s what you need to know about which stores will be closed, which will remain open, and alternative shopping options.

Where to Expect Store Closures

Retail chains with large locations, including supermarkets and hypermarkets, will be closed on Monday, October 28. This includes major chains like Albert, Billa, Globus, Kaufland, Lidl, Penny, and Tesco, as well as Tesco Expres outlets.

However, small stores with a sales area under 200 m², as well as certain essential locations, will continue operating. This includes:

• Airports and train/bus stations: Stores in transit hubs will remain open.
• Pharmacies: Pharmacies are exempt and will stay open.
• Gas stations: Most gas station shops, including select Tesco at fuel stations, will open from 9:00 to 17:00.

Online shopping remains an option, with platforms like Rohlík.cz, Košík.cz, Albert Online, and Billa Online available for holiday orders. Tesco Online services, however, will not be operational, as they source deliveries from closed hypermarkets.

Which Supermarkets Will Open on October 28?

A few selected locations and outlets in key transit areas will be open on October 28. These exceptions include:

• Albert at OC Mercury near the bus station in České Budějovice: 8:00 – 18:00
• Billa at Václav Havel Airport in Prague: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa at Prague’s main train station: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa at Brno’s main train station: 7:00 – 21:00
• Billa Stop & Shop and Viva Billa OMV stores in Prague: Open 24/7

The Makro wholesale chain also remains open, as it’s considered a wholesaler and is not subject to the same restrictions.

Shopping Centers: Partial Openings with Limitations

Some shopping centers in Prague will open but with restrictions. In line with the law, stores larger than 200 m² within these centers will be closed:

• Nový Smíchov: Open from 9:00 to 21:00, but only stores under 200 m² (e.g., Tesco and Luxor will be closed).
• Westfield Chodov: Operating with regular hours (9:00 to 21:00), but only stores within the 200 m² limit.
• Palladium: Open from 7:00 to 22:00, although large stores such as Albert, DM drogerie, Datart, and Sportisimo will not operate.

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