Are Kaufland stores open on January 1 in Germany?

No. January 1 is a public holiday nationwide, so most Kaufland stores are closed. A few branches at railway stations, airports, or tourist areas may open under local permits. Always check your local store finder for confirmed hours and any temporary changes.

What were Kaufland’s hours on December 31?

Hours were shortened versus a normal day, and exact closing times vary by state and location. Expect early closures and concentrated traffic from late morning to mid-afternoon. For precise Kaufland Dec 31 closing times, confirm with your local branch or the official store finder before you shop.

How do these holiday hours affect sales and staffing?

Shorter December 31 trading pulls sales into a tighter window, raising baskets and pressure on checkouts and fresh counters. January 1 closures shift trips to January 2. Labor needs cluster before close and at reopening, making scheduling and delivery timing key to protect margins and service.

Do other German supermarkets follow similar New Year rules?

Yes. Most major chains in Germany close on New Year’s Day and run shortened hours on December 31, in line with state rules. Differences exist at transport hubs or tourist spots. Competitive impact is minor on January 1, so execution on December 31 and January 2 matters more.

Global Market Insights

Kaufland January 1: New Year’s Day Closed, Dec 31 Hours Shortened

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 1, 2026January 1, 2026

Kaufland New Year hours matter for shoppers and investors. In Germany, most Kaufland stores are closed on January 1 and ran shortened hours on December 31, with some exceptions at railway stations, airports, and tourist locations. This timing pulls spending into New Year’s Eve and shifts trips to January 2. We outline what is open, what changed, and how these patterns affect sales cadence, staffing, and logistics for food retail and suppliers tracking short-term demand.