Slovakia - Domestic trade

Bratislav is the primary commercial center of the country. Other major centers include Kosice, Trencin, Zilina, and Poprad. Nitra is a primary distribution center for agricultural products.

Retail trade is currently undergoing rapid privatization along with other sectors of the economy. As of 2002, about 98% of all retail establishments were privatized. Most establishments are small, family owned shops specializing in one type of product, such as groceries, flowers, books, clothing, music, etc. However, the trend is slowly moving towards larger Western-style stores and hypermarkets that offer a wider variety of products under one roof. Wholesalers tend to be directly involved in the retailing of their products as well. A few franchise firms have recently made their way into the country.

Retail shops are generally open from 9 AM to 6 PM , Monday through Friday. New chain stores are open seven days a week from about 7 AM to 8 PM . Grocery stores often operate from 6 AM to 7 PM . Many stores will open for half a day on Saturdays, but most businesses and shops are closed on Sundays.