Poland: discounters increase their sales by 28% in 2008

The current situation of the retail sector in Poland was an issue of debate in the conference “Poland, the next big player of Europe”, held in Fruit Logistica 2009.

The polish retail analyst and speaker of the conference, Mr. Marcin Szaleniec, explained that “Polish grocery market is still dominated by small stores that represent 38% of the total retail shares”.

According to Mr. Szaleniec, 2008 has been a good year for Polish retailers. He described the current situation of the retail sector in four trends:

• the strong position of traditional retail
• the development of discount stores
• the growth of delicatessen supermarkets
• the market concentration.

Despite of the strong presence of the small grocery stores, discount stores are growing in Poland and increased their sales by 28% in 2008.

The three main players in that sector are Biedronka, who took over the Polish brand of Plus discount, Lidl and Netto. Aldi, that has just entered the polish market, ranks fourth in the sector.

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