In 2009 retail chains operating in the Czech Republic predominately opened discounters and hypermarkets, whereas the number of supermarkets in operation remained at a level similar to that which was observed in 2008, according to data from GfK Incoma. In total, the number of retail stores operating in the country increased by 24 (12 hypermarkets and 12 discounters) against 2008 figures and amounted to 1,346. For the purpose of comparison, in 2007 a total of 55 modern-format stores were opened, and this was followed by 76 new in 2008, according to Hospodarske Noviny.
Lower investment and a decline in the number of commercial real estate projects completed, are cited as the main reasons behind the decline in number of stores opened in 2009.