Intellinews Polish Retail Sector Report - April 2013

Additional Information

The Polish retail market maintained on upward y/y path in 2012, yet sales slowed down visibly in Q4. The situation varied across segments, but overall the increase of market value was supported by the expansion of the large retail chains, which managed to offset the downward impact of sluggish demand upon sales per store by the network enlargement (higher volumes). The prospects for this year remain optimistic, considering the record-high shopping centre deliveries planned, even though consumer demand will likely continue to deteriorate, paralleling the projected slowdown of the country’s economy.

The grocery market recorded y/y growth last year in value terms, propped by the advance of the discount chains, whose share in total market reached 17% in 2012, according to estimates. The steady demand for basic groceries and food products in general will likely support further growth of the segment.

The clothing and footwear retail market rose by approximately 2% y/y in value terms last year, mainly backed by the good performance and continuous expansion of larger players, which generate a vast majority of the chain segment’s revenues. However, the growth pace was rather sluggish compared to the previous two years, as demand-driving factors were negatively impacted by wage freezes, rising unemployment and inflation over the period.

The consumer electronics retail sales continued to face with diminishing demand in 2012, yet the market maintained positive y/y performance. Consumers indeed postponed larger purchases, but frequently bought smaller appliances and digital media instead.

Cosmetics consumption also maintained annual advance in 2012, when Poles spent over EUR 4.5mn on such products, according to market estimates. However, only a few companies benefit of the market growth, mainly drugstore chains, while traditional beauty stores, on the other hand, are struggling to survive. The largest drugstore chain, Rossman, plans to continue expansion by 150 shops per year in 2013-2014.

The situation on the DIY retail market maintained roughly stable in 2012, yet the home furnishings segment remained on downward y/y tendency, even though the decline eased considerably last year. The deteriorating consumer sentiment and efforts of buyers to maintain spending low continued to be major deterrents for sales of furniture and home furnishing products.