Poland has long been a favorite shopping destination for Lithuanians, offering lower prices on many goods. However, new data from Lithuanian banks indicates that spending by Lithuanian shoppers in Poland has dropped in 2024 compared to the previous year.<\/p>\n
Vilnius resident Robertas, who frequently travels to Suwa\u0142ki in Poland for groceries and household items, reported spending over 150 euros on his latest trip. Despite rising prices in Poland, he believes shopping there still offers savings.<\/p>\n
\u201cPrices are climbing here too, but we buy what we need without worrying about discounts, and it\u2019s still cheaper than in Lithuania,\u201d Robertas told LRT TV.<\/p>\n
While fuel costs for the trip are not a concern for him, he opts to refuel in Lithuania, where petrol prices are currently lower than in Poland.<\/p>\n
The Polish government\u2019s decision to reinstate the value-added tax (VAT) on food has contributed to a slight increase in prices. Additionally, the strengthening of the Polish zloty has made shopping slightly less economical for Lithuanians. However, many, like Art\u016bras from Klaip\u0117da, still see value in shopping across the border.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverything is still cheaper here than in Lithuania,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Experts suggest that the days of significant savings in Poland are fading, but there are still opportunities for Lithuanian shoppers to cut costs. Goods subject to excise duty remain more affordable in Poland, and items like pharmaceuticals can be two to three times cheaper compared to Lithuania, according to price specialist Petras \u010cepkauskas from PRICER.LT.<\/p>\n
However, he advises shoppers to calculate carefully, as many Polish products are already available in Lithuanian stores.<\/p>\n
Shoppers in border regions have become more strategic in their trips, using mobile apps and store brochures to identify deals.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to plan. There are cheaper products, but also more expensive ones, so it\u2019s easy to overspend if you\u2019re not careful,\u201d said Aidas from the Alytus district.<\/p>\n
Data from Lithuanian banks reveals a 15% decrease in card payments by Lithuanians in Poland this year, according to SEB Bank economist Tadas Povilauskas. However, cash payment trends are harder to track, and there are indications that many Lithuanians prefer to pay in cash while shopping in Poland.<\/p>\n
Polish statistics suggest a slight increase in spending by Lithuanian shoppers, with expenditures in zlotys up by 0.3% compared to last year.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Lithuanians spent 271 million euros in Poland during the first nine months of the year. Updated figures for 2024 have not yet been released.<\/p>\n
While rising prices and currency fluctuations are reshaping shopping habits, Poland remains a viable option for Lithuanian consumers seeking savings on select goods. However, with diminishing margins and a need for careful planning, the dynamics of cross-border shopping are evolving.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Poland has long been a favorite shopping destination for Lithuanians, offering lower prices on many goods. However, new data from Lithuanian banks indicates that spending by Lithuanian shoppers in Poland has dropped in 2024 compared to the previous year. Vilnius resident Robertas, who frequently travels to Suwa\u0142ki in Poland for groceries and household items, reported<\/p>","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":10074,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"twitter_1160854738579181570_1160854738579181570":"","facebook_3558452337540614_100649324928663":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16,27],"tags":[285,266,409],"class_list":{"0":"post-10073","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-business","8":"category-europe","9":"tag-amnewsworld","10":"tag-reporters","11":"tag-vilnius"},"yoast_head":"\n