Pepco’s Strategic Plans for Ukraine
Polish retail chain Pepco has officially announced its intention to enter the Ukrainian market. Group CEO Stephen Borchert confirmed the news, stating that the company aims to expand its ambitions in Ukraine, where the Pepco brand already enjoys a certain level of recognition. As part of this plan, a pilot launch of a small number of stores in selected Ukrainian regions is being considered, with the first locations possibly opening in 2026.
Expansion in Western Europe and Recent Performance
Between fiscal years 2027 and 2030, Pepco plans to open at least 600 new stores across Western Europe. This decision follows improved store performance in the region, which management views as strong evidence of significant growth potential.
'The improved store performance we are seeing in Western Europe has convinced us to expand our ambitions there. We are also making a cautious attempt to enter selected regions of Ukraine. This is a market where the Pepco brand is already very well known and holds considerable potential for the group’s development in the coming years.'
— Stephen Borchert
Of note, in the first half of 2026, Pepco added 61 new stores. Additionally, financial data for the top 10 online retailers over the first nine months of 2025 shows they generated nearly UAH 40 billion, with UAH 30.2 billion (76%) attributed to two companies within the Rozetka corporate group. Leading wholesale trade firms, according to the Opendatabot-2026 index, collectively earned UAH 697.27 billion in revenue—a 23% increase compared to the previous year.
In summary, Pepco is not only planning a major expansion in Western Europe but is also actively exploring opportunities to enter the Ukrainian market. This move could positively impact the development of retail in Ukraine. Pepco’s entry into Ukraine signals growing interest from international retailers in the Ukrainian economy, which continues to demonstrate growth potential despite ongoing challenges. It may also drive competition among local players, ultimately benefiting consumer choice and pricing.