In her article, the author presents characteristic features of development of large commercial outlets in Poland that have also been considered as the main factor shaping directions of retailing development in Poland in the years to come. There are indicated the anticipated directions for investments in retailing; one may expect growth of smaller hypermarkets and supermarkets as well as discount stores located in Polish medium-sized towns, and growth of trade centres of a new generation. An ever growing competition will force trade companies — not only those that have large commercial outlets — to select the strategies ensuring a greater effectiveness of activities. Strive for a reasonable use of the production factors and reduction of trade costs will be a standard for operating by all trade companies. One may expect mergers and take-overs and intensification of the integration processes, exploitation of the opportunities to operate in a market niche but also taking benefits from use of the strategy of discrimination. There will be common strive for improving the company's image undertaking, inter alia, creation of the trade mark and building permanent ties with business customers and partners.