Being in the same line with consumers, retail salers play an important role in the distribution process, determining not only its economic efficiency but also the social one. The quality of rendered services, in the long run the consuming quality, are influenced by sales forms, the formats of the shop, their management, the services rendered to consumers in the retail trade chain. This article touches upon the analysis of types of retail units at the national and world level, the opportunities of implementing the international practices in the home market of our country.