With the holiday season in full swing, Czech shoppers are making a beeline for Polish border markets, particularly in Zabelkove, a few kilometers from Bohumin. These markets have become a popular destination for budget-friendly purchases, ranging from food items to Christmas cookies, ornaments, and trees. Adding to the shopping spree are the increasingly sought-after Polish gift cards, which have gained popularity among Czech consumers.

A recent Thursday morning witnessed a surge of cars attempting to find parking space at the bustling Polish market in Zabelkove, surprising the parking attendant who remarked on the unprecedented demand. This surge is indicative of Czech shoppers diving headfirst into their Christmas shopping.

The most extended queues were observed at stalls offering meat, dairy products, cookies, and Christmas decorations. Shoppers expressed satisfaction with both the prices and the quality of the items. Tereza Lovečková, a shopper, shared her positive experience, highlighting the affordability and quality of her purchases. She noted the attractive prices for mushrooms, sausages, butter, goat and sheep cheese, and Christmas cookies, emphasizing the exceptional value compared to prices back home.

Another shopper, Michal Jirásek from Opava, visited the Polish market for both food and a Christmas tree. He praised the beautiful artificial trees available, with prices lower than those in Czech stores, making it a cost-effective choice for holiday decorations.

In a trend this year, Czechs are not only shopping for Christmas essentials at Polish markets but are also opting for Polish gift cards. These cards offer a variety of options, including wellness stays in Poland, discounts for Christmas shopping at popular Polish establishments, and more. The allure of Polish markets and the diverse offerings available through gift cards appear to have captivated Czech shoppers, suggesting that this cross-border holiday shopping tradition will likely continue in the years to come.

Article by Prague Forum