Commerce & Services Slovenia

Mercator: The largest Slovenian network of supermarkets and hypermarkets, known for its wide range of food products, household items, and seasonal offers. Stores can be found in almost every city and even in small towns. The company also offers its own brands, making shopping more affordable; it stands out for its local orientation, offering many products from Slovenian producers.

Spar: An international network that came to Slovenia in 1991 and quickly gained popularity. Offers a variety of food products, home goods, electronics, and textiles. In addition to standard supermarkets, the network includes Interspar hypermarkets, which offer a wider range, including appliances and furniture.

Hofer: Part of the German Aldi Süd group, it is a discount store that stands out for its low prices and strict savings on marketing; the range is smaller than that of traditional supermarkets, but the products are of high quality and competitively priced.

Lidl: A popular German discount store known for its low-priced goods and focus on seasonal products and private labels; also offers a variety of international products, including Italian, Asian, and other cuisines.

Eurospin: An Italian discount network offers products at very affordable prices. The main focus is on food products, including Italian delicacies and household items.

E.Leclerc: A French hypermarket chain with a limited number of stores in Slovenia but offers a wide range of goods, from food to electronics and clothing. These hypermarkets are usually located in large cities and are popular due to their variety and competitive prices.

In addition to international brands, local store chains operate in Slovenia. For example, small Tuš stores and other regional networks provide food and essential goods, focusing on convenience and proximity to the customer.

In Slovenia, online trade is actively developing, and the market features both local and international online stores, offering a wide range of products.

Mimovrste: One of the leading Slovenian online retailers, offering a wide range of products: electronics, appliances, clothing, home goods, and much more.

Big Bang: The largest retailer of electronics and appliances in Slovenia. In addition to physical stores, the company has a developed online store with a wide range of electronic devices, audio, and video equipment.

Mercator: One of the largest retailers in Slovenia, offering food products, home goods, and more. It has an online platform for convenient shopping with home delivery.

Spar: An international supermarket network represented in Slovenia. Offers an online platform for ordering food and other products with delivery or pickup options.

E.Leclerc: A French hypermarket chain present in Slovenia. Has an online store with a wide range of food products, appliances, and other goods.

Lidl: A German discount chain actively developing online sales in Slovenia. Offers a variety of food and home products at competitive prices.

Hofer: Part of the international Aldi network represented in Slovenia. It has an online platform where you can order food and other goods with delivery.

Main Operator: Pošta Slovenije - the national postal operator, providing a full range of postal and logistics services. The main features:

Wide network of branches: More than 500 postal branches throughout the country, ensuring service availability even in remote regions.

Variety of services: Providing standard postal services, express delivery, financial services (bill payments, money transfers), and product sales (stationery, philately).

Online services: The ability to track shipments, calculate delivery costs, and other services are available through the official website.

Private postal and courier services

In addition to the national operator, private companies like DHL, UPS, GLS, and others operate in Slovenia, offering alternative delivery options, especially for international shipments.

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Features of postal services in Slovenia

Delivery time: Domestic shipments are usually delivered within 1-2 business days. International shipments take longer depending on the destination country and the chosen delivery method.

Mailboxes: Yellow mailboxes for sending letters are located throughout the country. Regular emptying of the boxes ensures timely processing of correspondence.

Main providers

Telekom Slovenije: The largest national operator offering a full range of telecommunications services, including fixed and mobile communications, broadband internet, and IPTV.

A1 Slovenija: A private operator providing mobile communication, internet, and television services.

Telemach: One of the leading providers of cable TV, internet, and mobile communications in the country.

Internet

Broadband access: Fiber-optic and DSL connections are widely available in Slovenia, providing high-speed internet access.

Mobile internet: 4G networks cover most of the country, and the rollout of 5G is actively developing, ensuring high speed and low latency.

Television

IPTV and cable TV: Users can choose between different channel packages, including local and international options, with the ability to watch in HD and 4K quality.

Public broadcasting: Radiotelevizija Slovenija (RTV Slovenija) is the main public broadcaster, offering a variety of programs on national and regional channels.

Telephone communication

Mobile communication: Major operators offer a variety of plans that include minutes, messages, and mobile internet.

Landline communication: Although the use of landline phones is declining, services remain available, especially in packages with internet and television.

Features for immigrants

Service availability: Major operators provide information and support in English, facilitating the process of connecting and using services for foreigners.

Contracts and tariffs: Both prepaid and postpaid plans are available. A contract may require ID and proof of residence.

In general, telecommunications services in Slovenia are characterized by high quality, extensive coverage, and a variety of offers, ensuring comfortable use of modern technologies for all residents and visitors of the country.

In Slovenia, food and goods delivery services are becoming increasingly popular, offering residents and visitors of the country a convenient way to receive a variety of products and goods at home. Below are the most in-demand delivery services:

Wolt: An international platform, operating in Slovenia since 2019, provides delivery of meals from restaurants and goods from stores. Available in more than 22 cities across the country, including Ljubljana and Maribor. It offers a wide selection of cuisines and products with fast delivery within 30 minutes.

Glovo: An international delivery service offering a wide range of products: food from restaurants, groceries, pharmaceutical products, and much more. Available in major cities of Slovenia, ensuring fast and reliable delivery.

eHrana: A local Slovenian platform specializing in delivering food from restaurants. It offers a variety of cuisines and restaurants with the option for online payment and order tracking.

Dostava: A service offering delivery of various goods, including groceries, beverages, technical devices, and other products from online stores straight to your doorstep.

Hlebosol: An online store specializing in delivering traditional products from Eastern Europe. It offers a wide range of products with delivery across Slovenia, as well as to Austria and Croatia.

In Slovenia, the opening hours of stores and services may vary depending on the type of establishment, location, and day of the week. Below are general references for the operating hours of various establishments:

Stores

Grocery stores and supermarkets:

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): usually open from 7:00–9:00 to 19:00–21:00.

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Saturday: open from 7:00–9:00 to 13:00–15:00.

Sunday and public holidays: most shops are closed, but some supermarkets in large cities may operate with reduced hours.

Shopping centers

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): usually open from 9:00 to 21:00.

Saturday: from 9:00 to 21:00

Sunday and public holidays: some shopping centers are open from 9:00 to 15:00, but the hours may vary.

Banks

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): usually open from 8:00 to 17:00.

Saturday, Sunday and public holidays: closed.

Post offices

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): usually open from 8:00 to 18:00.

Saturday: from 8:00 to 12:00.

Sunday and public holidays: closed.

Pharmacies

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): usually open from 7:00 to 19:00.

Saturday: from 7:00 to 13:00.

Sunday and public holidays: duty pharmacies in large cities are open 24/7.

Museums and galleries

Tuesday – Sunday: usually open from 9:00–10:00 to 17:00–18:00.

Monday: usually closed.

Please note that opening hours may vary depending on the region, season, and specific institution. It is recommended to check the opening hours of places you are interested in, especially during holidays and vacations.

Slovenia has both local and international brands covering various industries and offering a wide range of products and services. Below are some of the most well-known brands present in the country:

Local brands

Gorenje: One of the leading home appliance manufacturers in Europe, known for its quality and innovative design.

Elan: A sports equipment manufacturer, especially known for its skis and snowboards, recognized worldwide.

Krka: An international pharmaceutical company specializing in the production of generic medicines.

Mercator: The largest Slovenian retail network, offering a wide range of food products and household goods.

Radenska: A producer of mineral water and soft drinks with a rich tradition and recognizable brand.

International brands

H&M: A Swedish clothing store chain offering fashionable and affordable clothing for all ages.

Zara: A Spanish fashion clothing brand, known for its quick response to the latest fashion trends.

IKEA: A Swedish company specializing in the sale of furniture and home goods, offering functional and affordable solutions.

Lidl: A German discount supermarket chain, offering a wide range of food and everyday products at competitive prices.

McDonald's: An American fast-food restaurant chain, known for its hamburgers, fries, and other popular dishes.

Greeting and politeness

Greeting: When entering small shops or boutiques, it is customary to greet the salesperson with expressions like “Dober dan” (Good day) or “Pozdravljeni” (Hello).

Gratitude: After making a purchase or receiving assistance, it is customary to thank with the words “Hvala” (Thank you).

Self-service and seller assistance

Supermarkets and large stores: These places operate on a self-service system, and customers select goods independently.

Boutiques and specialty shops: In smaller shops, salespeople often offer help. If you prefer to browse by yourself, politely say: “Samo gledam” (I am just looking).

Queues and checkouts

Queues: Slovenians respect the order of queues. When waiting at the checkout or in the customer service department, maintain the queue and keep your distance.

Payment: Most stores accept both cash and bank cards. However, in small shops or markets, it is preferable to have cash.

Markets and farmer's products

Local markets: Farmer's markets are popular in cities, where you can buy fresh produce, crafts, and souvenirs. Trading at markets usually occurs in the morning, and bargaining is common, but it should be done politely and respectfully.

Packaging and ecology

Eco-bags: Slovenians place great importance on environmental protection. It is recommended to bring reusable bags for shopping, as plastic bags may be charged or not provided at all in some stores.

Return and Exchange of Goods

Return Policy: In Slovenia, laws protect consumer rights. Keep receipts when purchasing goods, as they are necessary for potential returns or exchanges. Return conditions may vary depending on the store, so it is advisable to check them in advance.

Linguistic Aspect

Slovenian Language: Although many Slovenians speak English, especially in tourist areas, making an effort to use a few words in Slovenian can be positively received and help establish a friendly connection.

Respectful attitudes towards local traditions and customs in shopping contribute to a pleasant and successful shopping experience in Slovenia.

Winter Sales

Start: After the New Year holidays, usually in early January.

Duration: Until the end of February or early March.

Range: Winter clothing, shoes, accessories, and other seasonal items.

Summer Sales

Start: In mid-July.

Duration: Until the end of August or early September.

Range: Summer clothing, shoes, beach gear, and other items related to the summer season.

Holiday and Off-Season Sales

Black Friday: At the end of November, many stores offer significant discounts on various categories of goods.

Pre-Holiday Sales: In December, before Christmas and New Year, stores often run promotions and special offers.

Off-Season Sales: During transitional periods between seasons (spring-autumn), some stores hold sales to make room for new collections.

Features of Sales in Slovenia

Discounts: At the beginning of sales, discounts are usually 20–30%, gradually increasing to 50–70% by the end of the period.

Range: At the beginning of sales, the selection of products is wider, but by the end of the period, sizes and models are limited.

Holiday Markets: In December, Slovenian cities host holiday markets where you can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs.

Please note that exact start and end dates of sales may vary depending on the specific store and region. It is recommended to follow announcements and promotions from retailers you are interested in.

In Slovenia, the household waste disposal and recycling system is organized in accordance with European standards, aiming to minimize the negative impact on the environment.

Collection and Sorting of Waste

Municipalities are required to ensure the collection and transportation of municipal waste. For efficient recycling, waste is sorted at the place of origin. In most settlements, containers are provided for separate collection:

- Paper and cardboard

- Glass

- Plastic and metal packaging

- Biodegradable waste

- Mixed (residual) waste.

In rural areas, waste collection points may be used, where residents bring sorted waste themselves.

Recycling and Disposal: Slovenia has achieved significant success in waste recycling. As of 2020, the recycling rate for municipal waste was 44.9%, indicating a positive trend in waste management.