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Summary for: Plan your shopping: Czech stores to close for only one of May’s public holidays❗JUST IN President Petr Pavel signed an amendment officially adding Czech Flag Day to the calendar of significant days. Will stores be closed on March 30, 2027? See below.
The upcoming May public holidays bring two consecutive Fridays off, but with it comes confusion over differing retail laws, which will see shopping options change between the first and second week of the month.
On Friday, May 1, Labor Day (Svátek práce), shopping malls and supermarkets across the country will remain open. Under current Czech legislation, the May 1 holiday is not included in the Retail Sales Hours Act, which restricts large stores from operating on specific public holidays. This means major chains like Albert, Lidl, and Tesco will maintain their standard Friday operating hours.
However, the situation shifts significantly the following week. On Friday, May 8, which marks Victory in Europe Day (Den vítězství), the law mandates that all retail outlets with a floor space exceeding 200 square meters must remain closed.
Because the two holidays fall so close together, it has long been a source of confusion for shoppers.
"The current law creates a chaotic environment for both retailers and consumers," says Tomáš Prouza, President of the Czech Confederation of Commerce and Tourism.
Prouza has long argued that the inconsistent rules, where shops stay open for Labor Day but must close for Victory Day, serve only to confuse the public and disrupt the retail market.
The May 8 closure applies to all large supermarkets, department stores, and DIY centers. Residents should expect typical high-street shops and large shopping centers to be largely shuttered, though some service-oriented businesses within malls, such as cinemas or fitness centers, may choose to stay open.
There are several notable exceptions to the May 8 closures. Stores located in major travel hubs, including Prague’s Václav Havel Airport, the capital’s Main Railway Station (Hlavní nádraží), and other bus terminals, are permitted to stay open regardless of their size. Pharmacies, gas stations, and shops located in hospitals are also exempt from the ban.
For those caught short on the 8th, smaller "convenience" stores and corner shops with a sales area under 200 square meters are legally allowed to trade. However, many independent owners in smaller towns may still choose to close or reduce their hours for the holiday.
Online grocery delivery services are expected to continue operations, though delivery slots typically fill up faster than usual. Standard shopping hours for all retailers will resume on Saturday, May 9.
The legislative debate over store closures remains a centerpiece of the Czech government’s "de-bureaucratization" agenda for 2026, though for now, the May 8 shuttering remains a legal reality for all large retailers.
One piece of legislation regarding significant days that has just passed: on April 28, President Petr Pavel signed an amendment officially adding Czech Flag Day to the calendar. Observed on March 30, the date commemorates the adoption of the Czechoslovak flag in 1920.
While the day is now a "Significant Day" of the Republic, it remains a standard working day with no impact on retail hours.
Know the Difference: Public Holidays vs. Significant Days
All days off in Czechia are not created equal under the Retail Sales Hours Act. Understanding the legal category of a holiday helps predict whether the supermarket will be open.
- Statutory Public Holidays (Státní svátky): These commemorate Czech statehood or history (e.g., May 8, Sept. 28, Oct. 28). Most, but not all, of these require stores over 200m² to close.
- Other Public Holidays (Ostatní svátky): These are typically religious or international days (e.g., May 1, Good Friday, July 5 and 6). Most of these are exempt from the closure law, allowing shops to stay open.
- Significant Days (Významné dny): These are marked on the calendar to remember specific events but are not days off for the general public (e.g., Jan Hus Day). Businesses and offices operate as usual.
- Rule of Thumb: If it’s a public holiday and the shops are open, it is likely an "Other Public Holiday." If they are closed, it is a "Statutory Public Holiday" included in the 2016 restrictive list.
