The Easter period, traditionally a time of increased consumer spending, is proving to be a growing challenge for many businesses in the retail sector. Rising operational costs, cautious consumer behavior, and growing debt levels are creating a difficult environment for shop owners and suppliers alike. Although the Easter season typically brings a boost in sales, current market conditions are adding pressure to what should be a profitable time. According to data from BIG InfoMonitor and the Credit Information Bureau (BIK), the total overdue debt of companies in the retail sector reached more than PLN 3.3 billion by the end of February 2025—an increase of nearly PLN 182 million compared to the previous year. The number of indebted companies also rose by 961, bringing the total to 36,127. The average debt per company is now approximately PLN 92,500. Specialist food retailers, such as butcher shops and greengrocers, have been hit particularly hard. Over the past year, overdue debt in the meat retail sector grew by nearly PLN 5 million, reaching close to PLN 48 million. Fruit and vegetable retailers saw arrears rise by over PLN 2.6 million, while bakeries and confectioneries recorded an increase of PLN 1.6 million in unpaid liabilities. Despite stabilizing inflation—reported at 4.9% in March—many households are still struggling with rising prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverages saw year-on-year increases of 6.7%. Essentials such as butter have become significantly more expensive, affecting purchasing habits and shifting priorities among consumers. According to analysts, this trend is reflected in reduced spending on traditional food items in favor of leisure activities and travel during the holiday season. The financial strain on retailers is mirrored across their supply chains. Wholesalers dealing in dairy, eggs, oils, sugar, chocolate, and meat have also seen a rise in overdue payments. In particular, meat wholesalers reported outstanding debt of approximately PLN 116 million, with 11% of these businesses facing significant payment delays. Dr. Waldemar Rogowski, Chief Analyst at BIG InfoMonitor, notes that many of the affected businesses are small, local operations with high fixed costs. These enterprises are vulnerable to even small fluctuations in input prices and face strong competition from large retail chains. He also points out that Sunday trading restrictions, while intended to support small retailers, have often had the opposite effect. Upcoming trading Sundays on April 13 and 27 may offer some short-term relief for retailers, but overall financial pressures are expected to persist. Maintaining cash flow is increasingly difficult, and missed payments risk triggering a chain reaction across the supply chain—from manufacturers to wholesalers to retailers. This makes financial risk monitoring more important than ever. Tools like the BIG InfoMonitor Register and BIK’s credit database can help companies evaluate their partners’ financial reliability, especially during high-activity periods like Easter. According to Paweł Szarkowski, President of BIG InfoMonitor, there has been a noticeable increase in companies seeking credit information as a way to protect themselves from potential losses. Being able to identify partners with a high risk of default is key to maintaining financial stability. For many small businesses, Easter presents not only a commercial opportunity but also a test of financial resilience. Supporting local producers and shops—by choosing their products—can make a meaningful difference. As Szarkowski emphasizes, every purchase is more than just a transaction: it’s a show of support for businesses navigating a challenging economic landscape. Source: BIG InfoMonitor