Discount trade, one of dynamic forms of mass distribution, plays a significant role in the process of unification (standardisation) of consumption and consumer service. Its rapid expansion has also been recorded in Poland. The analysis is focused on conditions, organisation and directions of development of discount stores in a transforming Polish economy, with emphasis put on the role played in this process by companies with foreign participation. Apart from presenting results of development of major discount chains, the article also illustrates prerequisites and assumptions for a forecast of discount trade development in Poland in the nearest future (until 2010).