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The name Polska Rzeczpospolita Ludowa was formally adopted on July 22, 1952 and functioned until December 31, 1989. The president at that time was Wojciech Jaruzelski. Most of us know the realities of the People’s Republic of Poland only from the stories of our parents and grandparents. Products in stores disappeared at a rapid pace, and sometimes there was only vinegar on the shelves. The shortage of goods resulted in food stamps being issued.
Shops in the People’s Republic of Poland. Items were bought on cards
In the beginning, the cards were valid only for sugar. Over the years, their range began to increase and, in addition to sugar, ration cards also bought meat, flour, butter, groats, rice, soap, toilet paper and washing powder. Later, chocolate, gasoline, cigarettes, alcohol and shoes joined the mix. The products were placed on the shelves in two rounds. The first one covered 40% of the goods and was delivered before noon. The remaining 60% was taught in the afternoon. This was to enable shopping for people who are in the morning.
In practice, people fought for every thing and outdid each other in the checkout line. Queue committees were set up to organize the purchase of products efficiently and fairly. There was also a queue runner, i.e. a person who was paid to stand in a queue and who did it for another person.
Shops in the People’s Republic of Poland National Digital Archives Author of the collection: ziruss1664 https://www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl/kolekcje/-/kolekcje/23107093
Long lines and card trading. You went to Pewex for clothes
The cards only authorized the purchase of goods, but did not guarantee that the product would be available in the store. People began to exchange and trade them, depending on what someone needed at the time.
A grocery store in the People’s Republic of Poland National Digital Archives Author of the collection: ziruss1664 https://www.szukajwarchiwach.gov.pl/kolekcje/-/kolekcje/23107093
A very popular store was Pewex, where you could buy attractive items not available in ordinary stores. Most often these were clothes, toys, cosmetics, radio and TV items, and even cars. These were luxury goods at the time. Later, they were often sold on exchanges and bazaars at higher prices.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
