The Structure of Retail Trade and Interactions Among Retail Network Establishments (On The Example of Biała Podlaska)

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: The subject of this work is to present contemporary trends and changes in retail trade as well as functions performed by this sector, with particular focus on large-format retail facilities. The aim of this article is to assess the state and development factors of large-format retailers in Biała Podlaska. Materials and methods: The article was created with the application of the descriptive method and based on the literature dealing with this issue and personal research. The research material was composed of the authors’ observations and a questionnaire survey conducted on the group of 100 inhabitants of Biała Podlaska. Results: The areas of retail services supplied by the retail network, distribution and mutual interaction between the main retail facilities and the development prospects of the retail network in the city were presented. Conclusions: The research confirms general changes in trade manifested by the expansion of super and hypermarkets, as well as discount stores, also in smaller cities, where chains adjust retail space to local conditions.