Czechs are buying up Polish stores. "There's nothing even for dinner."

In recent months, the Polish-Czech border has become a hotbed of mass shopping tourism. Entire families from the Czech Republic flock to Kudowa-Zdrój, often traveling as far as 300 kilometers to take advantage of the attractive prices. Merchants emphasize that the differences are enormous.

"They buy towels and toilet paper. 40 rolls cost about 30 złoty here, while 10 rolls cost the same here. That's the difference," saleswomen Anna and Joanna told "Faktowi."

Paper, fruit and… full carts in discount stores

The most popular items are not only everyday essentials, but also fresh produce. Strawberries, cucumbers, peppers, onions, potatoes, and apricots – all of these items disappear from Polish stalls and stores at lightning speed.

Shopping tourism doesn't end with the markets, however. Czechs also flock to discount stores like Lidl and Biedronka. "The busiest times are right before the weekend. If you don't shop in the morning, there's nothing left by afternoon," local retailers emphasize.

Poles from the border are left with empty shelves

For residents of border towns, the Czech shopping boom is bringing increasing hardship. "We had to travel even further to buy our own groceries," says Elżbieta. "Sour cream, milk, cheese, butter, meat, pasta – everything was sold out. We didn't even have anything for dinner," she adds.

Cigarettes and excise duty – a question mark over business

In addition to food and household goods, our southern neighbors eagerly buy cigarettes in Poland. They can save up to 20 złoty on a single carton. However, this shopping Eldorado may be coming to an end. The European Commission is working to harmonize excise tax rates across member states. If these changes come into effect, Czech customers will lose the reason to flock to Poland to shop.