Sklepik

Sklepik is a Polish term for a small shop or convenience store, typically a neighborhood retail outlet with a modest floor area and a limited assortment, often privately owned by a family or small business. The word is a diminutive form of "sklep" (shop) and conveys informality and proximity.

Sklepiki are commonly found in residential districts, on housing estates, or inside schools and workplaces. Their offerings usually focus on everyday essentials: groceries, beverages, snacks, basic household items, cleaning products, personal care items, and sometimes newspapers or tobacco products and lottery tickets. Some also offer a small line of fresh fruit or bakery items, but the assortment is far narrower than in supermarkets.

Business model: due to limited space, the stock is curated for rapid turnover and convenience rather than breadth. They typically operate with longer hours and a more personal service, and in many cases may extend credit or deliver within the immediate neighborhood. Prices can be higher than in large stores, reflecting smaller volumes, convenience, and location. Supply often comes from regional wholesalers rather than large chains.

Social role: sklepiki serve as neighborhood anchors, especially in smaller towns and on housing blocks, contributing to daily life and social contacts. They face competition from supermarkets, discount stores, and online shopping, which has led to closures or transformations in some areas. In Polish schools and workplaces, a "sklepik szkolny" or small on-site shop is a familiar feature.