Retail in Slovakia

March 2025
Select Country Report
USD 2,450
Request More Information

Delivery:

Files are delivered directly into your account soon after payment is received and any tax is certification is verified (where applicable).

This report comes in PDF with additional info in Excel included.

Overview:

Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in Slovakia with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.

Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.

Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:

  • Convenience Stores
  • Discounters
  • Hypermarkets
  • Supermarkets
  • Traditional Grocery Retailers
  • Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
  • Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
  • Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
  • Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
  • Department Stores
  • Variety Stores
  • Warehouse Clubs
  • Direct Selling
  • Homeshopping
  • Vending

If you're in the Retail industry in Slovakia, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.

The Retail in Slovakia report includes:

  • Analysis of key retail trends
  • Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
  • Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
  • Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
  • Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
  • Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country

This report answers:

  • What is the market size of Retail in Slovakia?
  • Which are the leading retailers in Retail in Slovakia?
  • How are products distributed in Retail in Slovakia?
  • How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
  • How significant are discounters and private label in Slovakia?
  • To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?​
  • What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar? 
  • How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?​
  • What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?​
  • What is the future of retail?

Retail in Slovakia

Retail in 2024: The big picture
Retailers offer added-benefits, deals and discounts to drive sales
Leading players focus on consolidation to prioritise efficiency
What next for retail?
Informal retail
Opening hours for physical retail
Summary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2024
Seasonality
Christmas
Easter
Back to School
Table 1 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2019-2024
Table 2 Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 3 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 4 Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 5 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 6 Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 7 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 8 Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 15 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 16 Non-Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 19 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2019-2024
Table 20 Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2019-2024
Table 21 Retail GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 22 Retail GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 23 Retail Offline GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 24 Retail Offline GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 25 Retail Offline LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 26 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 27 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 28 Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 29 Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 30 Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 31 Non-Grocery Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 32 Non-Grocery Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 33 Non-Grocery Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 34 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: Value 2024-2029
Table 35 Forecast Sales in Retail by Retail Offline vs Retail E-Commerce: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 36 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 37 Forecast Sales in Retail Offline by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 38 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 39 Forecast Retail Offline Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 40 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 41 Forecast Sales in Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 42 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 43 Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 44 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 45 Forecast Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 46 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 47 Forecast Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029
Table 48 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 49 Non-Grocery Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 50 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 51 Forecast Sales in Non-Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 52 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2024-2029
Table 53 Forecast Non-Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2024-2029

DISCLAIMER

Summary 2 Research Sources

Convenience Retailers in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Retail value sales rise, however, price sensitivity dampens growth
Tesco rebrands Zabka stores to become Tesco Express
Retailers focus on omnichannel strategies to boost sales
Modernising stores and improving customer service is expected to support footfall
Changes to the VAT rate is set to challenge sales across 2025
Premiumisation and convenience will be key drivers of growth over the forecast period
Table 54 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 55 Convenience Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 56 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 57 Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 58 Convenience Retailers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 59 Convenience Retailers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 60 Convenience Retailers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 61 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 62 Convenience Retailers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 63 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 64 Forecast Sales in Convenience Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Supermarkets in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Supermarkets focus on deals and discounts to boost value growth in 2024
Players extend their e-commerce delivery services to drive growth and boost sales
Proximity benefits supermarkets, however, discounters are strong competition
A focus on price and promotions is set to drive sales during 2025
Mobile apps are set to offer consumers personalised deals and offers
Increased competition may challenge supermarkets across the forecast period
Table 65 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 66 Supermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 67 Supermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 68 Supermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 69 Supermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 70 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 71 Supermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Hypermarkets in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Hypermarkets record the strongest growth in grocery retailers, as consumers appreciate choice and variety
Tesco expands its retail e-commerce presence to increases its coverage
Deals and promotions from discounters and supermarkets challenge sales
Rising VAT is set to negatively impact sales from hypermarkets
Digital integration will focus on personalised content and gamification to engage consumers
Players focus on increasing their sustainable strategies and eco-friendly practices
Table 72 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 73 Hypermarkets: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 74 Hypermarkets GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 75 Hypermarkets GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 76 Hypermarkets LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 77 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 78 Hypermarkets Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Discounters in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Discounters benefit from offering value-for-money during a time of price sensitivity
Players focus on their e-commerce presence and smartphone apps to drive engagement
Lidl supports it Parkside range with a robust marketing campaign
Rising purchasing power will challenge sales from discounters as consumers reach for premium goods
New legislative measures are set to impact consumer spending during 2025
Biedronka announces plans to open in Slovakia, challenging Lidl’s position over the forecast period
Table 79 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 80 Discounters: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 81 Discounters GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 82 Discounters GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 83 Discounters LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 84 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 85 Discounters Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Small Local Grocers in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Outlet numbers decline as the competition from modern grocery stores increases
Personalised shopping experiences and added-value products entice consumers
Local retailer 1st Day, continues its expansion plan while offering click-and-collect services
Specialised retailers are set to benefit from the premiumisation trend
Mobile stores are set to become popular in rural areas
Consumer sentiment will remain negative in 2025 as new taxes limit purchasing power
Table 86 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 87 Small Local Grocers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 88 Small Local Grocers GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 89 Small Local Grocers GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 90 Small Local Grocers LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 91 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 92 Small Local Grocers Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

General Merchandise Stores in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Variety stores benefit from offering price friendly products during 2024
New players expand in variety stores, however, apparel retailers become rising competition
Consumer-to-consumer e-marketplaces are rising competition for variety stores
New players are set to enter the market, driving growth in general merchandise stores
Premiumisation and interest in sustainable attributes will shape purchasing behaviours
Retail e-commerce and affordable online marketplaces will become rising competition
Table 93 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 94 General Merchandise Stores: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 95 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 96 Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 97 General Merchandise Stores GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 98 General Merchandise Stores GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 99 General Merchandise Stores LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 100 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 101 General Merchandise Stores Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 102 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 103 Forecast Sales in General Merchandise Stores by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Apparel and Footwear Specialists in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Deals and discounts become important tools to drive growth for apparel and footwear specialists
Consumer-to-consumer marketplaces become rising competition for apparel and footwear specialists
Pepco retains its lead while focusing on consolidation to enhance revenue
An increase in VAT will challenge sales for apparel and footwear specialists
Sustainable attributes are expected to drive sales as disposable incomes improve
Added benefits from retail e-commerce is set to support growth for the online channel
Table 104 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 105 Apparel and Footwear Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 106 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 107 Apparel and Footwear Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 108 Apparel and Footwear Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 109 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 110 Apparel and Footwear Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Appliances and Electronics Specialists in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Reduced spending on non-essentials dampens retail value growth in 2024
Nay's acquisition of Datart solidifies the players leadership position in 2024
Retail e-commerce challenges sales as consumers look for the best deals
Premium products and tech-savvy consumers will positively increase demand
A lack of new home constructions may challenge sales across the forecast period
Consumers may prioritise local businesses across the forecast period
Table 111 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 112 Appliances and Electronics Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 113 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 114 Appliances and Electronics Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 115 Appliances and Electronics Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 116 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 117 Appliances and Electronics Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029

Home Products Specialists in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Price deals and discounts drives sales during a price sensitive period
A slowdown in new home constructions dampens sales from home product specialists
Rising competition from retail e-commerce as consumers seek the best value
An increase in VAT and fewer housing projects is set to challenge growth in 2025
Pet stores and superstores will benefit from a rise in ownership and the pet humanisation trend
Premiumisation and a return to renovations will support long-term growth
Table 118 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 119 Home Products Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 120 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 121 Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 122 Home Products Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 123 Home Products Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 124 Home Products Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 125 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 126 Home Products Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 127 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 128 Forecast Sales in Home Products Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Health and Beauty Specialists in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

As consumers prioritise essentials, pharmacies perform well in 2024
A decrease in common illnesses leads to lower growth for pharmacies
Pharmacy chains lead the competitive landscape as Dr Max Holding retains its lead
New entrants are expected, increasing competition across the forecast period
Consumer buying habits are set to adapt as VAT increases are implemented
Automation in pharmacies may improve the customer shopping experience
Table 129 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2019-2024
Table 130 Health and Beauty Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2019-2024
Table 131 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 132 Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 133 Health and Beauty Specialists GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 134 Health and Beauty Specialists GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 135 Health and Beauty Specialists LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2021-2024
Table 136 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2024-2029
Table 137 Health and Beauty Specialists Forecasts: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2024-2029
Table 138 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 139 Forecast Sales in Health and Beauty Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Vending in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Tourism and strong employment drove sales of vending in 2024
Competition from forecourt retailers with extended opening hours challenges sales
Custom vending machines allow players to attract consumers
Increased tax on sugar and soft drinks will raise costs, impacting sales through vending
Health issues linked to smokeless products will challenge sales through vending
Semi-captive environments are set to install higher-end coffee machines, challenging vending
Table 140 Vending by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 141 Vending by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 142 Vending GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 143 Vending GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 144 Vending Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 145 Vending Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Direct Selling in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Rising price sensitivity dampens sales for direct selling
Competition from retail e-commerce players challenges sales in 2024
Avon and Oriflame retain the lead while improving their retail value share
Direct sellers adopt omnichannel sales models to compete against retail e-commerce
Direct sellers are set to increase their social media presence to boost sales
Players will look to offer eco-friendly products aligned with consumer demands
Table 146 Direct Selling by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 147 Direct Selling by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 148 Direct Selling GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 149 Direct Selling GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 150 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 151 Direct Selling Forecasts by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029

Retail E-Commerce in Slovakia

KEY DATA FINDINGS

Growth for retail e-commerce recovers in 2024 despite rising price sensitivity
Datart merges with Nay Elektrodom to create a new competitor in retail e-commerce
Players expand into retail e-commerce for food and drinks, which offers solid growth potential
Price wars are expected for 2025 as competition rises from neighbouring markets
Local players will focus on fast delivery and competitive pricing to compete against foreign e-commerce companies
Loyalty programs will become crucial for the success of retail e-commerce players
Table 152 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2019-2024
Table 153 Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 154 Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2019-2024
Table 155 Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2019-2024
Table 156 Retail E-Commerce GBO Company Shares: % Value 2020-2024
Table 157 Retail E-Commerce GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2021-2024
Table 158 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: Value 2024-2029
Table 159 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Channel: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Table 160 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: Value 2024-2029
Table 161 Forecast Retail E-Commerce by Product: % Value Growth 2024-2029
Download table of contents
The following categories and subcategories are included:

Retail

      • Fashion Vending
      • Health and Beauty Vending
      • Appliances and Electronics Vending
        • Alcoholic Drinks Vending
        • Hot Drinks Vending
        • Soft Drinks Vending
        • Tobacco Products Vending
      • Foods Vending
      • Home Products Vending
      • Other Products Vending
        • Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
        • Personal Accessories Direct Selling
        • Eyewear Direct Selling
        • Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
        • Consumer Health Direct Selling
        • Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
      • Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
      • Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
      • Foods Direct Selling
      • Home Products Direct Selling
      • Other Products Direct Selling
        • Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
        • Personal Accessories E-Commerce
        • Eyewear E-Commerce
        • Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
        • Consumer Health E-Commerce
        • Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
        • Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
        • Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
        • Toys and Games E-Commerce
      • Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
      • Foods E-Commerce
        • Home Care E-Commerce
        • Home and Garden E-Commerce
        • Pet Care E-Commerce
      • Other Products E-Commerce
        • First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
        • Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
      • Grocery E-Commerce
      • General Merchandiser E-Commerce
      • Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
      • Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
      • Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
      • Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
      • Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
      • Other E-Commerce Retailers

Retail

Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, and wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry). Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.

See all of our definitions
Share:

Why buy this report?

  • Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
  • Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
  • Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions

This report originates from Passport, our Retail research and analysis database.

NEW REPORT GUARANTEE

If you purchase a report that is updated in the next 60 days, we will send you the new edition and data extraction Free!

© 2025 Euromonitor is privately owned & trademarked. VAT No. GB: 239-2559-40 Registered in England No. 1040587