Poland lost 8.3 thousand outlets in 2024, reducing the number of retail points to 318,000, according to sector data. Despite the closures, overall retail area increased by 1.4 percent.
The shift reflects the exit of small, mostly independent shops and the expansion of larger formats. Floor space at stores under 99 square meters fell 3 percent, while space at mid-sized units (400–999 sq m) grew 6.4 percent. Space at outlets over 1,000 sq m rose 2.9 percent.
Apparel retailers saw the steepest decline, with 2.8 thousand stores disappearing. Vehicle-related businesses, including workshops and showrooms, fell by 2.9 thousand, and “other stores” decreased by 2.4 thousand. By contrast, general grocery stores increased by 1.3 thousand from 2023.
The number of super- and hypermarkets rose 5 percent in 2024. On average, there was one such store per 3,350 residents, and their share of sales value climbed to 29.9 percent.
Foreign-capital retail groups continued to expand. Their share of total retail floor space increased by 1.3 percentage points. Average store size underscores the divide: Polish-capital outlets average 237 sq m, while foreign-operated stores average 690 sq m.
Market consolidation is advancing even as some regions are saturated; in the Łódź region, there are just 106 residents per shop. At the same time, large foreign players—such as Biedronka, Rossmann and Auchan—are tightening their grip on the market.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24