Czech holiday shopping is easier to understand when two separate questions are answered: does the law require closure? and what has the retailer chosen to do? Bankholidays.cz keeps those layers separate so that the legal rule remains stable while chain-specific schedules can be refreshed.
Holidays when large stores must close
The retail-closing law covers 1 January, Easter Monday, 8 May, 28 September, 28 October, 25 December and 26 December. On 24 December, large stores must stop sales from noon.
Holidays when large stores may open
Good Friday, 1 May, 5 July, 6 July and 17 November are not covered by the special closure list. Chains can therefore open, reduce hours or voluntarily close.
Important exceptions
The law includes exceptions, notably shops with sales area up to 200 m², pharmacies, petrol stations, and shops at airports, railway stations and bus stations. A chain can also have a branch that qualifies for an exception even when its ordinary supermarkets are closed.
Major retailers tracked
The site tracks Albert, BILLA, Kaufland, Lidl, PENNY, Tesco and Globus. Each holiday page should show a verification badge distinguishing an official current-year chain announcement from a law-derived expectation.
Before travelling to a shop
Always use the linked official store locator for the exact branch. Local renovations, shopping-centre access, emergency measures and voluntary company policies can override a normal pattern.