Biedronka adds 18th Slovak store in Gbelce, plans further expansion

Portuguese retailer Jerónimo Martins, operating the discount chain Biedronka, opened its 18th store in the Slovak village of Gbelce, bringing the total number of outlets in Slovakia to 18. The chain had opened 15 stores in its first year on the market and added two more this year, with a third slated for early August, continuing a rapid rollout focused on western and central regions.

Biedronka’s expansion strategy targets small and medium towns, with plans to open a flagship store in Bratislava on Račianska 69 and to increase its footprint to around 35 stores by the end of the year. The company is also recruiting staff for new locations and aims to source up to 40% of its products locally, including a private‑label line “Z našej zeme.” Analysts see Biedronka as a potential successor to the departing Tesco chain in Slovakia.