THE IMPACT OF TRADE MARKETIZATION ON THE TRANSFORMATION OF RETAIL TRADE IN POLAND

In recent years Polish trade characterized by a progressive process marketization. The most popular are three trade formats: hypermarkets, supermarkets and discount stores. Trade marketization stands for a large-scale expansion of large retail chain stores. On one hand, this process contributes to the economic development of the country because it causes the influx of not only outside capital in the form of investments, but also new technologies and solutions. On the other hand, when marketization is excessive and extends chaotically it may entail a risk of bankruptcy for local entrepreneurs and have a negative impact on social life, especially in smaller towns. According to the 2012 data, between the years of 2009-2012, more than 50,000 small retail shops vanished in Poland. Small general shops as well as specialized stores lost competition with large retail chain stores. In addition, retail chains increasingly build their own logistics centers. Retail chains of large stores, are already present in the whole country and have plans for further expansion. Another important issue related to trade marketization is the impact on consumer behavior. The purpose of this paper is to outline how the process of trade marketization affects trade in Poland.