Pepco’s Entry into Ukraine, Six New Shopping Centres and More Than 200 Agreements: RDA Reports on Its Financial Year Results

Among the company’s key achievements over the past year were facilitating the entry of European retail chain Pepco into the Ukrainian market, successfully launching new retail properties, and expanding its commercial property management business.

The past year was a period of intensive activity for RDA across all its key business areas, from retail brokerage and concept development to shopping property management and the introduction of new brands to the market.

Overall, from September 2025 to August 2026, Retail & Development Advisor (RDA) signed more than 200 agreements, developed 19 retail space concepts, directly participated in the launch of six new retail properties in various regions of Ukraine, and brought one of Europe’s largest clothing and homeware retailers into the country.

Bringing International Brands to the Ukrainian Market

The entry of a major international brand into Ukraine has always been a significant event for the retail market. This is particularly true in the context of the full-scale war, when many foreign companies have instead reduced their presence in the country. That is why securing Pepco’s entry into Ukraine can be considered one of RDA’s most important achievements in 2026.

Pepco operates in the affordable family goods segment, offering clothing, homeware and other everyday essentials. The retailer operates more than 4,300 stores across Europe and serves approximately 36 million customers every month.

RDA has signed an exclusive agreement to expand the network in Ukraine and is supporting the development of the brand’s long-term growth strategy. Its responsibilities range from analysing potential locations and negotiating with shopping property owners to structuring lease agreements.

The company has already secured the first wave of agreements for stores in prime locations in Kyiv and western Ukraine. These include Respublika Park, Retroville and River Mall shopping centres in the capital, as well as Bukovyna Mall in Chernivtsi and Podolyany in Ternopil. As of mid-September, more than 20 additional locations were at the stage of negotiating terms and preparing lease agreements.

“For shopping centres, the arrival of a new international operator strengthens the tenant mix and broadens the range of everyday consumer goods available. For RDA, this project has confirmed our ability to effectively support an international brand’s expansion at a national level. In addition to Pepco, our company is responsible for the development of the Marathon and guide brands in Ukraine on an exclusive basis. We are also negotiating with other retailers interested in entering the Ukrainian market,” said Andrii Lototskyi, CEO of RDA.

New Retail Properties from Odesa to Zakarpattia

Another important area of RDA’s work was supporting the launch of new retail properties. These included A7 Shopping Centre and A5 Shopping Centre in Ivano-Frankivsk, Areal Plaza in Chortkiv, Ternopil region, Mayak A1 Shopping Centre in Odesa, Retail Park Mukachevo and Varosh Shopping Centre in Zakarpattia.

A7 Shopping Centre in Ivano-Frankivsk opened in April 2026. At launch, the complex, with a total area of more than 10,000 sq. m, had an occupancy rate of approximately 95%, which increased to 98% by September. Its key tenants include the city’s first HalfPrice and CCC stores, as well as Sinsay, Puma, Akvarel, ATB and the Fly Kids family entertainment centre.

In Odesa, RDA supported the launch of Mayak A1 Shopping Centre, which officially opened in late August 2025. The complex has a total area of 13,000 sq. m, including 10,000 sq. m of leasable space. Its anchor tenants include Varus and Comfy supermarkets, the Chudo Ostriv family entertainment centre, KFC, JYSK and Sinsay.

In Zakarpattia, two notable projects were Retail Park Mukachevo and Varosh Shopping Centre. The first phase of Retail Park Mukachevo, covering more than 8,600 sq. m, opened at the end of last year, and by August 2026 its occupancy rate had reached 95%. Tenants include JYSK, LC Waikiki, Comfy, Sinsay, CCC, New Balance, Worldbox and Marathon. Once the second phase is completed, the complex’s total area will reach 24,200 sq. m. It is already known that the new phase will house HalfPrice and Pepco stores, a 3,000 sq. m Fly Kids family entertainment centre, and a padel club. The first section of the second phase is scheduled to open in March 2027.

Another retail property in Mukachevo, Varosh Shopping Centre, opened in early April 2026. The property has a total area of 8,500 sq. m, including more than 5,800 sq. m of leasable space. At launch, signed lease agreements covered 93% of the available area. Tenants included Alma supermarket, Sport City, Arber, Sezon and Sinsay, as well as Polish brands Cropp and House, which opened their first stores in the city.

In Chortkiv, Ternopil region, RDA supported the launch of Areal Plaza Shopping Centre, which began operations in late June 2026. The three-storey complex has a total area of more than 4,900 sq. m, including 3,300 sq. m of retail space. Its occupancy rate exceeded 90% at launch. Anchor tenants include ATB supermarket, occupying 1,350 sq. m; Polish fashion brand Sinsay, with 750 sq. m; electronics retailers Foxtrot and Allo; EVA; Andi and Sezon; and the modern Premiere 3D cinema.

“All these projects had different formats and concepts, but RDA’s common objective in each case was to create a balanced tenant mix, attract high-quality retailers and establish a commercially viable retail environment. Considering the occupancy, footfall and sales performance indicators, we can already say that these objectives have been successfully achieved,” commented Andrii Lototskyi.

Property Management: From Brokerage to Long-Term Partnerships

In 2026, RDA continued to expand its Property Management business, which focuses on the management of commercial real estate. This form of cooperation involves not only attracting tenants but also systematically developing a property’s positioning, operational processes and tenant mix.

The company’s property management portfolio includes Retail Park Mukachevo, the Tsum department store and Zhytomyr Shopping Centre in Zhytomyr, Silver Park retail park in Mukachevo, and Pecherskyi Market in Kyiv. The expansion of Property Management enables RDA to work with properties at different stages of their life cycles, from developing leasing strategies and filling vacant space to maintaining stable operations and supporting further growth. For property owners, this means access to a professional team whose work extends beyond signing lease agreements to improving a property’s long-term commercial performance.

RDA is also continuing to prepare new retail destinations for launch. The projects currently in development include several retail parks and shopping centres: the first phase of Retail Park 808 on the Uzhhorod ring road, Silver Park in Mukachevo, the second phase of Retail Park Mukachevo, and another similar development in Vynohradiv, Zakarpattia region.

Particular attention should also be given to the development of Ukraine Shopping Centre, with an area of more than 21,500 sq. m, and Residens Mall, covering 31,000 sq. m, both in Uzhhorod. Once completed, these shopping centres will become the largest shopping and entertainment centres in Zakarpattia. Ukraine Shopping Centre is scheduled to open to visitors in February 2027, while Residens Mall is expected to open towards the end of the following year.

“The results of the past year confirm that the commercial real estate market continues to develop despite the challenging circumstances, while demand for professional expertise and comprehensive project support is growing. RDA will therefore continue to develop partnerships with international and domestic retailers, support new retail developments and expand its property management business. Our goal is to be a strategic partner for developers and retailers, helping turn opportunities into tangible results,” concluded Andrii Lototskyi.