Commerce & Services Poland

Poland has a well-developed network of supermarkets and hypermarkets, providing residents and foreigners with easy access to essential products and goods. 

Popular supermarket and hypermarket chains: Biedronka, Lidl, Carrefour, Auchan, Kaufland, Tesco.

Many chains, including Carrefour and Auchan, are actively developing their online platforms, offering the option to order groceries and goods with home delivery.

The largest and most popular online stores in Poland:

 

Allegro: The most popular online platform; offers a wide range of products from electronics to clothing and home appliances. 

 

MediaExpert: One of the leading online stores for electronics and home appliances. 

 

Euro RTV AGD: Specializes in selling electronics, home appliances, and computer goods. 

 

Zalando: A German online retailer of fashion clothing and footwear; offers a wide range of brands, convenient delivery, and return service.

 

Amazon Poland: A global e-commerce giant that expanded its operations in Poland; offers a wide range of products, including books, electronics, clothing, and more.

   

IKEA: A Swedish company known for its home goods and furniture. 

 

Poland ranks 17th in the world in terms of e-commerce volumes, with projected revenue of 30,159.1 million USD by 2024. The market is expected to grow with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.2% until 2028. The largest revenue in Polish e-commerce comes from the "Hobbies and Leisure" category, accounting for 32% of total revenue. Electronics ranks second with 18.6%, followed by furniture and home goods (13.3%), construction and renovation goods (12.6%), care products (10.5%), fashion (8.7%), and food (4.4%).

The main postal service operator is Poczta Polska, which carries out 

- postal items (delivery of letters, parcels, and express mail, international postal services); 

- courier services (fast delivery of documents and parcels, including express delivery);  

- financial and insurance services (a wide range of financial services, including bill payments, money transfers, and insurance);

- automatic parcel terminals that allow you to receive and send parcels at any convenient time.

Poczta Polska provides delivery to most homes and businesses throughout Poland, including rural and remote areas. For the convenience of customers who live in hard-to-reach places, alternative delivery options are available, such as parcel lockers and pick-up points.

All shipments can be tracked online using special services available on the Poczta Polska website and in mobile applications.

 

Other postal and courier companies:

InPost: One of the largest private courier service operators in Poland. Known for its automated postal terminals, which provide a convenient way to send and receive parcels at any time of the day.

DPD Polska: Part of the international DPD Group network, providing courier services for businesses and private clients. DPD Polska offers both domestic and international delivery.

DHL Express: Offers a wide range of courier services, including express delivery of documents and freight, international delivery services.

Main operators

Orange Polska: One of the largest operators, providing mobile communication, fixed internet, and television services.

Services

Mobile communication: Various tariff plans for calls, SMS, and mobile internet. Tariffs include unlimited calls and messages within the network.

Fixed internet: High-speed internet up to 1 Gbps for home users.

Television: Digital television packages with a wide selection of channels, including HD and 4K.

Play Communications S.A.: Known for its competitive tariffs and quality mobile coverage.

Services

Mobile communication: Tariffs for calls, SMS, and mobile internet with unlimited options.

Fixed internet: Includes both fiber-optic and DSL connections.

Television: Internet television packages.

T-Mobile Polska S.A.: Provides both mobile and fixed services, including internet and television; actively implements 5G technologies to improve communication quality.

Services

Mobile communication: Tariff plans with unlimited calls and SMS, as well as various mobile internet volumes.

Fixed internet: High-speed internet, including fiber optics.

Television: Digital television packages with various channels.

Polkomtel (Plus): One of the leading mobile network operators in Poland, also offers fixed internet and television services; known for its innovations and high-speed mobile internet.

Services

Mobile communication: Wide range of tariffs for calls, SMS, and mobile internet, including 5G.

Fixed internet: Provides fiber-optic connection.

Television: Television packages with HD channels.

Vectra S.A.: Major cable television and internet operator.

Services

Internet: High-speed fiber-optic internet.

Television: Various digital television packages with access to HD and 4K channels.

Telephone communication: Fixed-line telephone service.

Connecting to services

Required documents:

- Passport or identity card.

 - Residential address in Poland.

 - In some cases, a document confirming resident status may be required (e.g., visa or residence permit).

Process for connecting to mobile communication

You can visit the operator's physical office or use its website to select and purchase a tariff plan.

Choosing the tariff plan and SIM card:

 Choose a tariff plan that suits your data, minutes, and SMS needs.

 Purchase a SIM card, which can be activated on-site or through an online system.

Registration and activation:

 After receiving the SIM card, register it in your name by providing the necessary documents.

 Activate the SIM card by following the operator's instructions. This can usually be done via SMS or online platform.

Process for connecting to fixed internet and television

Contact the operator through its website, phone, or visit the office. You can choose the desired service package and arrange the connection date.

- To connect internet and television services, you need to sign a contract with the operator. Provide the necessary documents and sign the contract.

- The operator will schedule a date and time for equipment installation (router, decoder, etc.). A technician will come to your home and install all necessary equipment.

 - Make sure you have access to power outlets and the necessary connections for the equipment.

Online connection and remote service

Online application: Many operators offer the option to apply for service connection through their websites. Select the desired services and fill out the online form.

Remote support: After submitting the application, the operator will contact you to clarify details and confirm the order. A technician may come to you for equipment installation at a convenient time.

Most popular food delivery platforms

Pyszne.pl: The largest food ordering platform in Poland; offers a wide selection of restaurants and cuisines; user-friendly interface, regular discounts and promotions, variety of dishes.

Glovo: A platform known for its versatility; delivers not only food but also goods; fast delivery, wide range of partner restaurants and stores.

Uber Eats: A food delivery service from Uber, which has become popular due to its quality and reliability; frequent promotions, convenience of use through a mobile app.

Bolt Food: A platform known for its competitive pricing policy and rapid delivery; affordable prices, quick delivery times.

Wolt: Specializes in delivering meals from high-end restaurants; high-quality dishes, excellent service.

 

Popular grocery delivery services in Poland

Frisco.pl: An online supermarket; specializes in delivering fresh groceries and household items. The company operates exclusively online and does not have offline stores; offers free delivery under certain conditions and delivery within one hour in Warsaw.

Everli: A marketplace for online grocery shopping, which partners with various retailers. The platform provides access to over 300,000 products and offers same-day delivery in numerous cities across Poland; option to choose products from various stores and fast delivery.

Megasam24.pl: an online supermarket launched during the pandemic that offers a wide range of products with next-day delivery; emphasis on fast delivery and a wide selection of items, including fresh produce and household goods.

Lokalny Rolnik: a platform that allows buying fresh vegetables and fruits directly from farmers. The company supports local producers and offers eco-friendly products.

Carrefour Online: one of the largest retailers in Poland, also providing online grocery delivery services through its platform; a wide range of products, promotions and discounts, fast delivery.

In Poland, store and service operating hours may vary depending on the type of store, region, and specific operator.

Stores

Regular stores

Weekdays: Most stores open at 8:00 or 9:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM.

Saturday: Open until 2:00 or 3:00 PM.

Sunday: Many stores are closed due to the law prohibiting trade on Sundays, but small stores where the owner conducts trade may be open.

Shopping malls

Operating hours: Usually open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 or 10:00 PM every day, including Sundays, when only cinemas, restaurants, and some entertainment venues are open.

Trade ban on Sundays

Since 2018, Poland has had a law prohibiting trade on most Sundays. Exceptions: The ban does not apply to cinemas, restaurants, cafes, small local shops, pharmacies, gas stations, and stores at transportation hubs (airports, train stations).

Operating hours of other services

Banks. Weekdays: Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some banks operate until 1:00 PM.

Restaurants and cafes. Usually open until 10:00 PM, and in some cases later.

Pharmacies. Most pharmacies operate from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays, but there are also 24-hour pharmacies.

Museums. Often closed on Mondays, open until noon on weekends. Operating hours may vary depending on the museum.

For more detailed information and planning purchases and service visits, it is recommended to check specific operating hours on store and service websites.

Local brands

Reserved: one of the largest Polish fashion brands, offering stylish and affordable clothing for men, women, and children.

Żywiec: one of the most famous Polish beer brands, with a rich history and a wide range of products.

Wawel: a well-known Polish manufacturer of chocolate and sweets, offering quality and tasty treats.

Hebe: A chain of stores offering a wide range of cosmetics and personal care products.

Inglot: An international cosmetics brand founded in Poland, known for its quality and diverse product range.

International brands: IKEA, H&M, Carrefour, Lidl, Amazon, and many others. Poland is a large country and an important market for a huge number of companies from around the world!

Poland has a rich cultural history and traditions reflected in everyday life, including purchasing habits and etiquette.

General behavior and etiquette rules

Poles, especially older generations, adhere to formal etiquette when meeting. They usually greet each other with a handshake, and maintaining eye contact is important.

Addressing people by name and surname using titles “Pan” (Mr.) or “Pani” (Mrs.) until invited to use their first names is considered polite and appropriate.

Poles tend to dress neatly and try to avoid overly casual clothing in public places. This is a sign of respect for others and oneself.

Poles value politeness and courtesy. Offering help, such as holding the door or giving up your seat to elderly people and pregnant women on public transport, is the norm.

 

Shopping and service

Most stores are open from 8:00 or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and shopping malls operate until 9:00 or 10:00 PM. Sunday is often a day off for most stores, except for certain trade Sundays throughout the year.

In restaurants and cafes, it is customary to leave a tip of 10-15% of the bill. In bars and cafes, you can round up to the nearest zloty. In hotels and taxis, it is also customary to tip, usually 10% of the bill amount.

Queues in stores and services are common occurrences. It is important to respect the queue and be patient. If you do not know how to use the self-checkout machines, seek help from the staff.

In large stores and supermarkets, goods are usually arranged by sections, and it is important to maintain order. Some stores offer free bags, but most sell them for a small fee to encourage the use of reusable bags.

Traditions and Local Features

 During major holidays such as Christmas and Easter, stores may be closed or operate on a reduced schedule. During these periods, sales and promotions are also often held.

 Local markets are a popular place for shopping for fresh produce, handcrafted items, and souvenirs. Here you can find unique goods and enjoy the atmosphere of the local culture.

Knowing and understanding these features will help foreigners feel more comfortable and confident in Poland, as well as better understand and respect local traditions and culture.

Winter sales: usually start in early January and continue until mid-February; at the initial stage of sales, discounts can reach 30-50%, but by the end of the period, discounts can increase to 70-90%; categories of goods include clothing, shoes, accessories, electronics, and household items.

Summer sales: usually start in late June and continue until the end of August; in the first weeks of sales, discounts are about 20-40%, and by the end of the period can reach 70-80%; categories of goods include summer clothing, shoes, accessories, and sports goods.

Additional sales periods

Black Friday: At the end of November. It is one of the most popular sales days of the year when many stores offer significant discounts on electronics, fashion, and other goods.

Cyber Monday: Follows Black Friday and focuses on online sales.

Inter-seasonal sales periods: Some stores arrange sales between the main seasons to attract shoppers during less active periods.

Local features: In Poland, you can also find discounts timed to national holidays and important events. For example, sales may be held in honor of Constitution Day (May 3) or Independence Day (November 11).

Poland is actively improving its household waste disposal and recycling system, focusing on European standards and legislation. The country operates a separate waste collection system that includes the following categories:

- Paper (blue container)

- Glass (green container)

- Plastic and metal (yellow container)

- Bio-waste (brown container)

- Mixed waste (black container).

In Poland, failure to comply with waste sorting rules can result in fines. The amount of fines varies depending on the region and the severity of the violation. On average, fines can range from 100 to 500 PLN (about 25-125 euros). 

Owners and tenants of properties are required to ensure proper waste sorting. This includes providing containers for separate garbage collection and ensuring their proper use.