The article is an analysis of spatial planning in socio-economic development of Polish gminas (municipalities), including local market development. In particular, the role of spatial management plan has been characterised as a regulator of trade development and an instrument of stimulating local entrepreneurship. The article presents results of a survey carried out in 2002 by the Institute of Internal Market and Consumption in 450 Polish gminas representing cities with poviat status, urban gminas and urban-rural gmiinas, to analyse gminas’ approaches in the area of spatial planning and regulation of trade development on local markets, as well as to learn their opinion on enforcement of the Law on Spatial Management in the aspect of location of large-area commercial facilities.