In his article, the author presents the results of analysis of changes in the level of domestic trade enterprises' competitiveness in the period of economic transformation. They were affected by both macroeconomic changes and those occurring in the market environment and, first of all, an ever-growing expansion of foreign chains and the strategies for competition carried out thereby. They caused intensification of competition and, in result, they forced entrepreneurial and flexible behaviours of domestic enterprises in the market. At particular stages of trade transformation, there was noted a growing competitiveness of domestic companies, which, avoiding confrontation with stronger competitors, were looking for opportunities to strengthen their position through carrying out the strategies for diversification of their offer and trade formats as well as specialisation in market niches.