Chapter 10: The Development of the Retail Sector in Poland since 1990

Tomasz Domanvski

10.1 Methodology

The author bases his conclusions on empirical research carried out under the European ACE program (1996 “8) using in-depth interviews completed by direct observations of Polish and international retail enterprises. A broad range of information regarding the strategies of the retail enterprises operating in Poland has also been used.

The first section of the chapter identifies several different strategies of Polish retail enterprises to adapt to the changing conditions in the industry during the transformation process. These strategies range from the independent development of small-scale retail outlets after privatization to franchising concepts and integration into a large international retail network. The second section of the chapter describes the approaches undertaken by foreign-owned retail chains to adapt entering the Polish market during this period.