State of the shopping and entertainment center market in Ukraine
The market of shopping and entertainment centers in Ukraine, despite the challenges of war, demonstrates resilience, especially in regions where new facilities are launched with full commercial occupancy. As of 2025, the vacancy rate in regional shopping centers in Kyiv is 14.9%, in district shopping centers 13.9%, specialized 10.1%, and in local shopping centers 6.6%. The main vacancies in the capital are concentrated in four major objects: Blockbuster Mall, 'Marmelad', Promenada Center, and 'Atmosfera'.
New facilities and their impact
In 2025, the company UTG opened two new shopping and entertainment centers: 'Pokrovsky' in Izmail and Trade Mall in Uzhhorod, both with 0% vacancy. This figure is unique for wartime, as noted by Yevgeniya Loktionova. Additionally, the GrushesvSky shopping center in Uzhhorod, launched in August 2025, has a 98% occupancy rate and a daily attendance of 2000-2500 people. Thanks to a well-thought-out concept and a balanced mix of tenants, the facility quickly became a key attraction point, stated Volodymyr Chekalov.
Among the key tenants of GrushesvSky, the following brands can be noted:
- Sinsay
- Famo
- Andi
- 'Ambar'
- Drogerie 'Shchodnya'
- Filtr Select
- Mafin
This data indicates that despite the difficult situation in the country, the shopping center market continues to develop and attract new tenants, ensuring stability in the commercial sector.
The development of shopping and entertainment centers in Ukraine in wartime underscores the potential for economic recovery and the adaptation of business to new challenges. The high occupancy rate of new shopping centers, such as 'Pokrovsky' and GrushesvSky, indicates demand from consumers and interest from tenants, which may positively impact the market in the future. It also demonstrates that investors continue to believe in the Ukrainian market, despite existing risks. The importance of such facilities in the life of cities can be assessed not only from an economic perspective but also as social spaces for people in difficult times.