Biedronka opens first store in Slovakia with plans for rapid expansion

The Polish discount supermarket chain Biedronka has officially opened its first store in Slovakia, located in the village of Miloslavov near Bratislava. Known primarily in Poland, where it operates over 3,000 stores and employs more than 80,000 people, Biedronka’s expansion into Slovakia marks a significant development in the country’s retail sector.

The newly opened store is situated in a developing residential area, with apartment buildings on one side and open fields on the other. Upon entering, customers are greeted with floral displays, followed by a produce section featuring neatly arranged fruits and vegetables. Refrigerated units line the right side of the store. Unlike some Biedronka stores in Poland, where products are often stacked on pallets for efficiency, the Miloslavov location follows a more organized layout, with bananas and other fresh produce arranged neatly on shelves.

Retail analyst Ľubomír Drahovský notes that Biedronka’s presentation style reflects a broader trend in discount retailing. When Lidl entered Slovakia in 2004, it initially stocked products on pallets, but over time shifted toward a more refined shopping experience. A similar evolution is expected for Biedronka, which, despite its discount reputation, is aiming for a cleaner and more structured store design.

Biedronka had originally planned to open its first stores in Slovakia at the end of last year, but the timeline was delayed. The company now expects to launch five locations in March, with a total of 50 stores planned by the end of 2026. This expansion represents the most significant entry of a major grocery retailer into the Slovak market in recent years.