Adriana Sas
Research expert covering the Polish market
Retail market in Poland - statistics & facts
Despite the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the retail market in Poland has shown remarkable resilience. The initial rebound in consumption was swiftly followed by the escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and a substantial increase in product prices, which promptly altered Poles' shopping attitudes. However, the market has adapted, and the subsequent surge in inflation has led to a growing number of consumers seeking ways to save, demonstrating the market's ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
Undoubtedly, Biedronka is the market leader in terms of revenue and number of stores, a retail giant owned by the Portuguese company Jeronimo Martins. In 2023, Biedronka's sales reached a staggering 98 billion zloty, more than two times the sales of Lidl and seven times that of the Kaufland chain. With a network of 3,700 stores across Poland, Biedronka has established itself as the most extensive retail brand in the country. In comparison, Lidl had 930 outlets in 2024.
Despite the declining share of shopping centers, Poland's retail sector continues to show resilience and growth. Retail sales in the country increased by nearly three percent from January to December 2024 compared to the previous year. This positive trend is expected to continue, with retail trade sales volume projected to rise by 4.8 percent in January 2025.
Biedronka and Lidl are leading the retail chain market
The Polish FMCG market was worth over 275 billion zloty in 2023, the value of which was predominantly influenced by food. More than a dozen retail chains operate in the Polish retail market. These chains have responded to the changing market dynamics and consumer behavior by implementing various strategies. For instance, Biedronka, Lidl, Auchan, Kaufland, Carrefour, and Dino have all focused on expanding their online presence and offering more affordable products to cater to the growing number of budget-conscious consumers. The number of franchise stores is also increasing. Eurocash Group, which operates in the wholesale and retail segments, dominates in this field. The popularity of franchised stores is also on the rise. Poland's most popular franchise chains include Żabka, Sklep Polski, abc, Lewiatan, and Delikatesy Centrum.Undoubtedly, Biedronka is the market leader in terms of revenue and number of stores, a retail giant owned by the Portuguese company Jeronimo Martins. In 2023, Biedronka's sales reached a staggering 98 billion zloty, more than two times the sales of Lidl and seven times that of the Kaufland chain. With a network of 3,700 stores across Poland, Biedronka has established itself as the most extensive retail brand in the country. In comparison, Lidl had 930 outlets in 2024.
Retail sales growth amid changing market dynamics
The retail market's evolution in Poland is occurring against a backdrop of varying purchasing power. In 2024, Poland's average per capita purchasing power was over 12,500 euros, which is 33 percent below the European average. However, significant regional differences exist, with Warsaw leading at nearly 18,800 euros per person. This disparity is reflected in the retail landscape, as the Warsaw agglomeration boasted the largest retail market in Poland in early 2023, offering 2.4 million square meters of Gross Leasable Area. Interestingly, medium-sized cities had the highest shopping center density, with 844 square m per 1,000 inhabitants, indicating a potential saturation in these markets.Despite the declining share of shopping centers, Poland's retail sector continues to show resilience and growth. Retail sales in the country increased by nearly three percent from January to December 2024 compared to the previous year. This positive trend is expected to continue, with retail trade sales volume projected to rise by 4.8 percent in January 2025.
