Turkish brands are leaving Ukraine, and local companies are taking their place
A number of Turkish brands are scaling back their presence or ceasing operations entirely in Ukraine. Ukrainian companies are increasingly taking over their retail spaces in shopping centers. At the same time, the market is also seeing an expansion of European brands, which are gradually filling the vacated niches in retail spaces.
This is reported with reference to UTG.
Why are Turkish brands leaving?
This year, Turkish operators Koton, SuperStep, and InStreet have announced their exit from the Ukrainian market or a significant reduction in their presence. Specifically, Koton is closing its last stores after eight years of operation in Ukraine, and the SuperStep chain plans to shut down all its stores in May and June.
Experts note that the exit of Turkish operators is not always exclusively related to the Ukrainian market. Some companies explain their decision by the need to optimize their global business and reallocate resources among different countries.
Opportunities for Ukrainian Businesses
According to market participants, some of the space vacated by international operators is already being occupied by Ukrainian brands and chains. For example, EVA Beauty and Marathon stores are opening in former Koton locations, and the premises of certain sports retailers are being taken over by new concept stores from other brands.
Experts believe this process is part of a larger market restructuring.
“After some international operators leave, vacancy rates aren’t rising dramatically, as the space is actively being taken over by Ukrainian brands that continue to grow even during the war,” says Yevgeniya Loktionova, head of the consulting department at UTG.
According to her, Ukrainian companies have become much more active in viewing shopping centers as a platform for scaling their businesses. At the same time, international chains often make decisions based on global strategy and risk assessments.
“Today, we are seeing a rise in local players. For many Ukrainian brands, this is an opportunity to secure locations that were previously inaccessible due to intense competition from international chains,” notes Loktionova.
Benefits for Shopping Malls
For shopping centers, this tenant turnover can be a positive factor. According to Loktionova, the Ukrainian fashion segment has already proven its resilience and ability to quickly adapt to new conditions.
“Competition is gradually shifting from a battle between international and local brands to a competition of concepts, service, and understanding the needs of the Ukrainian consumer,” explains Loktionova.
Market analysts expect the trend of replacing international operators with local chains to continue, especially in the fashion, cosmetics, home goods, and sports retail segments.
European businesses are entering Ukraine
At the same time, international retailers continue to view Ukraine as a promising market. Among the most notable examples is the entry of the Polish chain Pepco into the market. In the spring of 2026, the first monobrand store of the British brand Barbour opened in Kyiv. Additionally, new international concepts are appearing on the Ukrainian market, including Karl Lagerfeld Jeans and the Polish sneaker culture chain World Box.
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