Retailers in Ukraine: New Business Directions During the War

Some are building large shopping complexes, while others are investing in fuel infrastructure, meal delivery, mountain resorts, and even cottage construction. Below, we’ll explore how Epicenter, OKKO, and Gennady Butkevych (ATB) are adapting and diversifying their operations amid challenging circumstances.

1. Epicenter Invests in Shopping Centers and Fuel

1. Green Gallery and Bucha Gallery

   • The Epicenter chain is constructing two sizable shopping and entertainment centers (SECs) in the Kyiv region:

     • Green Gallery: With a rental area of 96,000 m²

     • Bucha Gallery: Covering 97,000 m²

   • These projects reflect Epicenter’s strategy to become a destination for both retail and entertainment, aiming to serve communities rebuilding and reshaping their commercial spaces.

2. Gas Station Network & Epicenter Express

   • Epicenter isn’t stopping at malls. It has begun rolling out its own network of gas stations (GASs).

   • Meanwhile, it’s also experimenting with smaller-format outlets called “Epicenter Express”, each occupying 200–300 m². These compact stores offer a curated selection of goods, catering to consumers in urban or high-traffic areas.

3. EPILAND Amusement Parks

   • To diversify its appeal, Epicenter has started introducing EPILAND amusement parks – a reflection of the chain’s commitment to family-friendly experiences and broader consumer engagement.

2. OKKO: From Gas Stations to Resorts and Electric Cars

1. OKKO Drive: Meal Delivery Service

   • The OKKO chain, known for operating gas stations, is launching a ready-made meal delivery service under the OKKO Drive brand.

   • Drivers can now order and receive fresh meals right at OKKO stations, providing convenience and expanding the chain’s food-service capabilities.

2. GORO Mountain Resort in the Carpathians

   • OKKO Group has begun constructing GORO Mountain Resort, an all-season international mountain resort in the Carpathians.

   • The project’s estimated investment stands at $1.5 billion, targeting both local and international tourists seeking year-round hospitality experiences.

3. Green Mobility: Toka Stake

   • The company also acquired 50% shares in Toka, a major Ukrainian electric car services provider.

   • This move underscores OKKO’s transition into greener mobility solutions and sets the stage for synergy between EV charging and the brand’s widespread gas station network.

3. Gennady Butkevych (ATB) Expands into Construction and Energy

1. Power Generation Investments

   • Gennady Butkevych, the co-owner of ATB, is venturing into electricity generation – a timely move, given the country’s energy needs.

   • New energy projects may range from thermal plants to renewable sources, aiming to stabilize power supply in wartime conditions.

2. Cottage Development Near Kyiv

   • Butkevych is also implementing a cottage construction project close to the capital, addressing housing demands for displaced citizens and those seeking safer, modern living environments.

3. Aerok Acquisition

   • Recently, he acquired Aerok, a producer of aerated concrete. This product is crucial for efficient, thermal-insulated construction – potentially linking with his cottage-building initiatives and supporting broader rebuilding efforts.

4. Why Are Retailers Diversifying Now?

1. Adapting to Wartime Demands

   • Safety, housing, energy, and logistics are top priorities in Ukraine. Expanding into these sectors enables retailers to serve both immediate community needs and strategic infrastructure gaps.

2. Counteracting Economic Instability

   • Spreading investments across multiple fields – from hospitality to construction – helps mitigate risks and maintain revenue streams when conventional retail might struggle.

3. Community and Social Impact

   • Many of these ventures, especially in housing and entertainment, represent efforts to foster social well-being, support reconstruction, and provide jobs in local markets battered by conflict.

5. Outlook and Challenges

Despite their bold moves, these retailers face:

1. Supply Chain Hurdles

   • The war complicates transport routes and the availability of raw materials. Companies must plan for disruptions and higher logistics costs.

2. Security Concerns

   • Building large malls or resorts in a conflict zone demands robust security measures and contingency plans.

3. Consumer Spending Power

   • In uncertain times, consumer behavior can shift, potentially limiting the demand for new developments such as amusement parks or residential projects.

Still, Epicenter, OKKO, and Butkevych (ATB) seem determined to press on, seeing these difficulties not merely as risks but also as windows of opportunity.

Conclusion

In the face of wartime challenges, prominent Ukrainian retailers are innovating and diversifying as never before. While Epicenter invests in massive shopping centers, fuel stations, and EPILAND amusement parks, OKKO is launching meal delivery services, building a Carpathian mountain resort, and embracing electric vehicle technology. Meanwhile, Gennady Butkevych, co-owner of ATB, expands his reach into power generation, cottage development, and aerated concrete production. Each endeavor addresses urgent community needs and positions these companies for long-term success, showcasing resilience in Ukraine’s retail landscape even amid adverse conditions.