Commerce & Services Slovakia

Main supermarket and hypermarket chains in Slovakia

 

Tesco: A British chain; offers a variety of food products, household chemicals, electronics, and clothing; stores vary from small supermarkets to large hypermarkets.

 

Kaufland: A German hypermarket chain; offers food and non-food products.

 

Lidl: A German discount store offering a limited but carefully selected range of products, including its own brands.

 

Billa: An Austrian supermarket chain; offers local and imported food products and everyday goods.

 

COOP Jednota: A local Slovak cooperative network, primarily present in rural and small urban areas; offers a wide range of food products and essentials.

 

Metro: A German wholesale hypermarket chain; focused on business clients but also available to retail shoppers; offers a wide range of food products, household appliances, and office supplies.

 

Mix-Markt: A supermarket chain specializing in products from CIS countries, the Baltic, Poland, Romania, and the Balkan region.

Below are the largest and most popular online stores operating in Slovakia:

Alza.sk: One of the leading online stores; specializes in electronics, household appliances, computers, and accessories. 

Mall.sk: A large online store; offers electronics, household appliances, fashion, home and garden products, children’s goods, and much more. 

Hej.sk: Specializes in selling electronics, household appliances, home and garden products, as well as sports goods.

Nay.sk: One of the largest retailers of electronics and household appliances in Slovakia; has both physical stores and an online platform.

4Home.sk: Specializes in home products, including textiles, kitchen accessories, decor, and accessories. 

Trendyol.sk: A popular online store for clothing, footwear, and accessories. 

Bazos.sk: A popular classifieds platform where users can buy and sell various items, including electronics, furniture, cars, and much more. 

Flora-Online.sk: An online store specializing in flower and bouquet delivery throughout Slovakia.

In Slovakia, postal services are provided by the state company Slovenská pošta. It operates over 1,500 post offices across the country. 

Main services

Postal shipments: Delivery of letters, postcards, and parcels both domestically and internationally.

Express delivery: Fast delivery of documents and parcels with tracking options.

Financial services: Payment of utility bills, money transfers, and other financial transactions.

Postage stamps and philately: Issuance and sale of postage stamps, as well as organizing exhibitions for collectors.

Features of postal services in Slovakia

Poste restante: A service allowing receipt of mail without specifying a particular address. Letters and parcels are sent to the recipient's name marked "Poste restante" and are held at the selected post office until requested. The storage period is 18 days, after which the shipment is returned to the sender. Identification is required for collection. 

Opening hours: Most post offices operate from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Some locations are also open on Saturdays, but with a shortened schedule. It is advisable to check the specific office's schedule on the official website or by phone.

 

Several international and local courier services also operate in Slovakia.

International courier services

DHL Express: An international company offering express delivery of documents and cargo worldwide. 

UPS: An American courier service providing delivery services for documents and parcels both domestically and internationally. 

FedEx: One of the world's largest transportation companies, offering express delivery and logistics solutions for businesses and individuals.

GLS: A European courier service specializing in parcel and cargo delivery across Europe. 

Local courier services

Slovak Parcel Service (SPS): A Slovak company offering courier services throughout the country, including express delivery and logistics solutions for businesses.

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ReMax Courier Service: A local courier service providing delivery services for documents and parcels within Slovakia.

123 kuriér: A Slovak courier company specializing in fast delivery of parcels and documents across the country.

Features of choosing a courier service

Delivery speed: International companies like DHL, UPS, and FedEx offer express delivery with next-day delivery options.

Service cost: Local courier services often offer more competitive prices for domestic shipments.

Main telecommunication companies

Slovak Telekom: The largest operator; offers a wide range of services (mobile and fixed communication, high-speed internet, and digital television); actively develops 4G and 5G networks, ensuring coverage throughout the country.

Orange Slovensko: A leading mobile operator; provides fixed internet and television services.

O2 Slovakia: A mobile operator; offers competitive rates and mobile internet services.

4ka: A mobile operator known for its affordable tariffs and flexible service conditions; offers mobile communication and internet services without long-term contracts.

Service features

Internet: Most operators offer both mobile and fixed internet with varying speeds and data volumes. In cities, high-speed fiber-optic internet is available, while rural areas may use DSL or mobile internet technologies.

Television: Digital television is available via cable networks, satellite antennas, or the internet (IPTV). Operators offer various channel packages, including international and thematic options.

Telephone communication: Mobile operators offer a variety of tariff plans, including prepaid cards and contracts with fixed monthly fees. Fixed telephone lines are gradually losing popularity but are still available from some operators.

Connection and service:

Service connection: Connecting to services usually requires providing identification and confirming the residential address. Some operators offer online applications and home delivery of equipment.

Customer service: Operators provide support through hotlines, online chats, and physical offices. Many companies offer mobile apps for service management and bill payments.

Below are the most popular platforms and companies providing food and goods delivery services in Slovakia:

Wolt — an international platform; provides food and goods delivery services; actively operates in major cities; offers delivery from a variety of restaurants as well as groceries and other goods.

Bolt Food — a food delivery service; available in Bratislava; offers delivery from more than 50 restaurants and fresh groceries.

Foodpanda — an international food delivery platform; offers a variety of cuisines and dishes.

Bistro.sk — a local Slovak platform; specializes in food delivery; collaborates with numerous restaurants across the country.

Tesco Online — grocery delivery service from the Tesco supermarket chain.

Kaufland Online — online service from the Kaufland supermarket chain; offers delivery of groceries and household goods.

Dáme jídlo — a food delivery platform; partners with various restaurants; offers users a variety of dishes and cuisines.

Glovo — an international delivery service; offers delivery of food, groceries, medications, and other goods; operates in major cities.

Features of using delivery services

Availability: Most services operate in major Slovak cities such as Bratislava, Košice, Prešov, and Žilina.

Delivery time: The average delivery time varies from 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the service load and the distance from the restaurant or store.

In Slovakia, the operating hours of stores and services may vary depending on their type, location, and the day of the week. Below is general information on the hours of operation of various categories of establishments:

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Grocery Stores and Supermarkets

Weekdays (Monday – Friday): Usually open from 7:00–9:00 to 18:00–19:00, with a possible one-hour lunch break. 

Saturday: Many stores operate from 8:00 to 12:00.

Sunday: Most grocery stores are closed, however, in larger cities some supermarkets may be open with reduced hours.

 

Shopping Centers and Department Stores

Weekdays and Saturday: Usually open from 9:00–10:00 to 21:00. 

Sunday: Many shopping centers are open from 10:00 to 21:00, but some stores inside may be closed or operate on reduced hours.

 

Small Retail Stores

Weekdays: Often operate from 9:00 to 18:00.

Saturday: May be open from 9:00 to 12:00 or closed.

Sunday: Generally closed.

 

Pharmacies

Weekdays: Usually operate from 8:00 to 18:00.

Saturday: Some pharmacies are open from 8:00 to 12:00.

Sunday and Holidays: Most pharmacies are closed, however, in large cities, there are duty pharmacies operating 24 hours.

 

Restaurants and Cafes

Weekdays and Weekends: Usually open from 11:00 to 22:00–23:00, depending on the establishment.

 

Banks

Weekdays: Operate from 9:00 to 17:00.

Saturday and Sunday: Generally closed.

 

Post Offices

Weekdays: Open from 8:00 to 18:00.

Saturday: Some offices operate from 8:00 to 12:00.

Sunday: Closed.

 

Special Features

Holidays: On official public holidays, most stores and services are closed or operate on reduced hours.

24-hour Stores: In Slovakia, 24-hour grocery stores are rare. However, in large cities, there are stores with the sign “večierka” operating from 20:00 to 5:00, offering a limited range of products. 

It is recommended to check the working hours of specific establishments in advance, especially on weekends and holidays, to avoid inconvenience.

Local Slovak Brands

ESET: Founded in Bratislava; known for its antivirus programs and cybersecurity solutions; one of the world's leading antivirus software producers.

J&T Banka: A Slovak bank; offers a wide range of financial services, including investment and private banking solutions.

Slovnaft: The largest oil refining company in Slovakia; engaged in the production and sale of petroleum products.

Kofola: A popular non-alcoholic beverage similar to cola, produced in Slovakia and the Czech Republic; one of the most recognizable brands of soft drinks in the region.

Tatramat: Manufacturer of household appliances; specializes in water heaters and heating systems.

Slovenská sporiteľňa: The largest commercial bank in Slovakia; provides a wide range of banking services for individuals and legal entities.

Tatranský čaj: Traditional Slovak herbal liqueur known for its unique taste and strength.

 

International Brands

Volkswagen Group: One of the largest Volkswagen factories is located in Bratislava, producing Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and Škoda cars.

IKEA: A Swedish company; specializes in selling furniture and home goods, has stores in Slovakia.

Tesco: A British supermarket chain; widely represented in Slovakia; offers a variety of products and daily necessities.

Lidl: A German discount chain; offers a wide range of food and non-food products.

H&M: A Swedish clothing brand; presented in major shopping centers in Slovakia.

McDonald's: An American fast-food chain; has numerous branches across the country.

Decathlon: A French sports goods retail chain; offers a wide range of products for different sports.

Due to its geographical location and economic development, Slovakia attracts numerous international companies while simultaneously supporting and developing its own brands, which successfully compete in both domestic and international markets.

Slovakia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a modern lifestyle. Understanding the local features of etiquette and shopping culture will help immigrants adapt faster and feel more comfortable in the new environment.

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General Shopping Culture

Greeting and Farewell: When entering a small shop or boutique, it is customary to greet the staff with the phrase "Dobrý deň" (Good day). When leaving, it is polite to say "Dovidenia" (Goodbye).

Personal Space: Slovaks value personal space, so it is recommended to maintain distance in queues and when interacting with staff.

Payment

Payment Methods: Credit and debit cards are accepted in large stores and shopping centers. In small shops, especially in rural areas, it is preferable to have cash.

ATMs: Widely available in cities and tourist areas.

Shop Etiquette

Addressing Staff: It is polite to address staff using "pán" (Mr.) for men and "pani" (Mrs.) for women.

Trying on Clothes: In clothing stores, it is customary to ask for permission before entering the fitting room and not to bring more than a certain number of items at one time.

Queues: Queues are strictly observed, and attempts to skip the line are considered impolite.

Bargaining and Discounts

Fixed Prices: Prices are fixed in most stores, and bargaining is not customary.

Markets: At farmers' markets and fairs, sometimes you can negotiate the price, but it should be done respectfully.

Tipping

Restaurants and Cafes: Tips are about 10% of the bill and are not always included automatically.

Service Sector: Rounding up the amount to the nearest euro is considered sufficient in taxis and hair salons.

Language and Communication

Slovak Language: The official language is Slovak. Knowing basic phrases is welcomed and helps establish a friendly rapport.

English Language: English is common in tourist areas and among the youth, but in small towns and villages, communication in English might be challenging.

Environmental Aspects

Bags and Packaging: In supermarkets, plastic bags are usually charged. It is recommended to carry a reusable bag.

Online Shopping

Delivery: Online shopping is popular, and many stores offer home delivery.

Payment: Payment by card online or cash on delivery is possible.

Thus, respectful adherence to local traditions and customs will make your shopping experience in Slovakia pleasant and hassle-free. Be polite, follow the accepted norms of behavior, and you will quickly feel at home in this hospitable country.

Main Sale Seasons

Winter Sales: Start right after Christmas, usually from the end of December and run until the end of January or early February. During this period, stores aim to sell off leftover items from the winter collection, offering discounts that can reach up to 70%.

Summer Sales: Take place in July and August. Stores reduce prices on summer collections to make room for fall-winter merchandise. Discounts during this period can also be significant, reaching up to 70%. 

Additional Discount Periods

Interseason Sales: Some stores hold additional sales between main seasons, usually in March-April and September-October, offering discounts on remaining items from previous collections.

Black Friday: Although this American traditional day of discounts is not official in Slovakia, many large retailers and shopping centers participate in the promotions, offering significant discounts at the end of November.

Features of Sales in Slovakia

Discounts in Malls: Major shopping centers, such as Aupark, Eurovea, and Avion in Bratislava, actively participate in seasonal sales, attracting customers with a variety of offers and events.

Online Sales: Many online stores, including popular platforms like Alza.sk and Mall.sk, synchronize their promotions with offline sales, providing the opportunity for profitable online shopping.

In Slovakia, the system of household waste disposal and recycling is organized in accordance with European standards and aims at minimizing the negative impact on the environment.

Waste Collection and Sorting

The country operates a separate waste collection system, allowing for efficient recycling of various materials. The main categories of waste and corresponding bins:

- Plastic: yellow containers.

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- Paper: blue containers.

- Glass: green containers.

- Metal: gray containers.

- Biodegradable waste: brown containers.

- Mixed (non-recyclable) waste: black containers.

In some regions, containers of other colors may be used, so it is recommended to check with local utility services for information.

Recycling and Disposal

Slovakia is actively developing its waste recycling infrastructure. According to Eurostat, the country ranked first in the European Union for the level of recycling of waste from plastic packaging.