Are Shops Open in Croatia on Sunday?
Croatia is a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, boasting stunning landscapes and beautiful cities – providing the perfect backdrop for an editorial on shopping and whether stores are open on Sundays. On this page, readers will explore the topic in more depth to gain a better understanding of general opening times and when they can next buy what they’re looking for.
The majority of shops in Croatia open from around 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week from Monday to Saturday, and close at 2 p.m. on Saturdays. However, when it comes to Sunday, the situation is a bit more complicated. While larger stores and supermarkets tend to remain open, most smaller, independent shops are closed, and the exceptions are few and far between.
Sunday is, in most cases, a day of rest and celebration within Croatian culture, so most shops stay closed. This is the case in most cities, such as Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, and often regional districts have slightly different opening times (e.g. Tuesday to Friday).
Croatia’s Attitude Towards Sunday Trading
Croatians, and many other Europeans, have a different attitude towards work and Sunday trading. Unlike the United States or Australia – where it’s common to find 24-hour supermarkets and other stores almost anywhere – Sundays are typically a day to spend with family and friends rather than going shopping. Therefore, the number of open stores is limited and the adjusted opening times are at the discretion of the shop owners.
Due to the size of the country and its population, and the fact that most people do not live in the major cities, many stores end up being closed on Sundays, since the demand for them is not necessarily great. This leaves tourists and travelers with few options for their weekend shopping trips.
Local store owners are keen to observe the traditional holiday that is observed throughout Europe and therefore Sunday shopping tends to take a backseat. Though it may be frustrating, it is possible to find shopping with a range of stores open on Sunday, including supermarkets and larger stores, such as those that cater to tourists or are located in train stations and airports.
What Stores are Open on Sunday?
Most supermarkets, grocery stores, and major department stores are open on Sundays in Croatia. Shopping malls and large box stores like Ikea, K-Mart, and Target are also open on Sundays, though not for extended hours. Some restaurants and bars open on Sundays, but most remain closed.
Many convenience stores may be open on Sundays in Croatia, though they are typically only open until around 2 p.m. It is also worth noting that while some stores may open on a Sunday, they may be closed on other days of the week. For example, some stores in Zagreb, such as Super Konzum, are only open from Monday to Saturday.
How to Find Out What Stores Are Open
Finding out what stores are open on Sundays can be tricky. The best way to find out is to look online at the store’s website or contact the store directly to find out specific opening times. While not all stores may list their opening times on their website, many will and a quick call to the store can also help.
If you’re looking to shop for specific items, it is best to call ahead, as not only will the availability of the product vary, but the opening times of the store as well. It is also important to note that some stores may be closed during certain holidays and public holidays.
Online Shopping in Croatia
An alternative to going out and shopping in stores is to shop online. There are a growing number of online stores in Croatia, offering a variety of products from food to furniture. Most online stores are open 24/7 and even offer free shipping and delivery for orders above certain amounts.
These stores may also be cheaper than their brick-and-mortar counterparts, and ordering online can be done quickly and conveniently. It is also worth noting that orders placed ahead of time can often be delivered on Sundays or even on Saturdays, depending on the online store.
Conclusion
It can be tricky to figure out what stores are open on Sundays in Croatia, but with a bit of research and asking around it is possible to find out. While smaller, independent shops are usually closed on Sundays, it is possible to find supermarkets and larger stores open at designated times. Online shopping is also becoming an increasingly popular way to shop in Croatia and can provide a convenient and cost-effective alternative to visiting physical stores.
