Marketplace trade - selective development or inevitable decline?

Purpose: The aim of this article is to present changes in the role of marketplace trade as a form of retail. Marketplace trade is one of the oldest forms of retail; however, its importance in supplying buyers with everyday items is systematically decreasing. The author attempts to answer the question of whether this form of retail is facing inevitable decline, or whether its selective development is possible. Design/methodology/approach: The article presents official data from the Central Statistical Office, the Local Data Bank of the Central Statistical Office, and the Statistical Office in Poznań, as well as the results of surveys published in specialist literature. The above-mentioned statistical data concern both the whole country and the Wielkopolska region. The conducted analyses cover the years 2010-2020. Findings: The article discusses the level of development of marketplace trade, its importance in the distribution of everyday products (FMCG) and the factors determining the use of this form of retail by customers. The main part of the analysis concerns the issue of whether marketplace trade is in the phase of decline or development. The discussion is supported by data on the changes in the number of permanent and temporary marketplaces in Poland and selected counties of the Wielkopolska region. Also included is a diagnosis of customers’ preferences regarding the choice of a marketplace/bazaar/market as a place for doing their shopping. Research limitations/implications: In the future, it is worth repeating the research among actual and potential customers of bazaars and markets; also among the lessees of market stalls and booths, i.e. the sellers of goods. Practical implications: The article also indicates the determinants of choosing a specific marketplace, bazaar or city market as a place for making purchases. For this purpose, the results of several surveys relating to the functioning of marketplace trade in selected cities are presented. Originality/value: The results of the analyses have both cognitive and pragmatic value, especially in the context of preparing and implementing development plans for this retail format in individual cities and municipalities.