Overview
- Lidl, Kaufland and Edeka plan to close most stores on December 31 in the early afternoon, typically between 13:00 and 14:00.
- Most branches will not open on January 1, with exceptions for outlets in train stations, airports and some coastal resorts covered by the Bäderregelung.
- All three retailers say normal trading resumes nationwide on January 2.
- Shop-opening rules are set by the German states since 2006, and only Bremen, Hessen, Niedersachsen and Thüringen apply special limits for December 31.
- Retailers urge customers to check branch-specific hours via websites or apps, and separate rules allow travel hubs and some fuel stations to sell travel supplies, including small amounts of alcohol.