Pepco, one of the largest Polish retail chains, has officially announced its intentions to start operations in the Ukrainian market. The company is actively preparing for the launch, already selecting potential locations for the test openings of stores in various regions of Ukraine.
This is reported by Finway
Gradual expansion and opening strategies
The CEO of the Pepco group, Steven Borchert, emphasized during the presentation of the financial results for the first half of the 2026 financial year that the entry into the Ukrainian market will be carried out in stages. In the first stage, the company plans to open several retail outlets in carefully selected cities, after which further expansion will depend on the results.
The management of the chain notes that Ukraine is a promising market for Pepco, with high brand recognition among consumers and significant potential for growth. At the same time, the company emphasizes that special attention will be paid to employee safety during the launch due to the military situation in the country.
“The key factor in implementing the project remains the issue of employee safety due to the war.”
Long preparation and search for retail spaces
Preparatory work for Pepco’s entry into Ukraine has been ongoing for several months, starting from spring 2026. To find suitable retail spaces, the company has engaged the consulting firm Retail&Development Advisor, which represents Pepco’s interests in Ukraine. The main focus is on premises in shopping and entertainment centers and other commercial properties in various cities across the country.
Pepco is an international chain of stores specializing in affordable clothing, household goods, and everyday items. Founded in the late 1990s in Poland, the company is now present in 18 countries in Europe and has over 4,000 stores.
According to preliminary estimates, by the end of 2026, there may be between 5 to 10 Pepco stores in Ukraine, marking the first stage of the brand’s large-scale expansion in the Ukrainian market.