It has been going on for a really long time, and in addition, the dimensions of this phenomenon are constantly increasing, instead of gradually decreasing. In short, Czechs have become accustomed to going shopping in Poland, because domestic retail chains still keep unacceptably high prices, which many people simply do not have the money for. They then buy from their neighbors for a third to a half cheaper, which is really worth it, despite the fact that it is a long way to get here.
Don’t buy by the carton
However, this is also part of the problem. When a person from the Czech Republic drives for example a hundred kilometers there and a hundred kilometers back, he wants to buy as much as possible in order to take advantage of it. At the same time, shops located in small towns near the border are usually under attack.
Already last year, it caused clashes between locals and visitors, and even the mayor of Bogatynia had to deal with it. He called on the Czechs to behave decently and with respect towards domestic shoppers in shops. He asked them not to buy goods by cartons, because then when Polish customers come to the store, the shelves are often empty and they simply do not buy as much as they would like.
“We, the residents of Bogatynia, want our children to have access to fresh products (vegetables, fruits, etc.). But it is slowly becoming impossible – when we come to stores, we find more and more often empty shelves,” was formulated by the mayor in the local press, but also in leaflets that appeared behind the windshield wipers of Czech vehicles.
It’s not good at all
The situation calmed down a bit as Polish shops at the border began to be loaded to a greater extent after adjusting to the growing demand. However, unpleasant situations still occur. “I had ten butters and about five eggs in my shopping basket. When a man approached me and took two plates of eggs and five pieces of butter from me. It is said that he is here at home and also wants to do some shopping,” said Mrs. Patricia from Vrchlabí for the Mix24.cz server.
Also read: It’s here. A large Polish supermarket is expanding abroad. That’s exactly what we’re waiting for, Lidl and Albert are already afraid
Of course, some did not only have unpleasant experiences from Polish shops, but the anger of the locals also had an impact on their wallets. “Once we went shopping in Poland like this, and when we arrived at the car with a full shopping cart, we found out that someone had punctured our tires. Not one, but all four” says Mr. Michal. “We called the local tow truck and the new tires cost 25,000 crowns. That was enough for me, I haven’t been there since.“
Photo: Shutterstock
