Business is waking up — in the first half of 2025, Ukrainian retailers significantly expanded their physical presence. According to data from the Ukrainian Retailers Association, 1,056 new stores were opened across the country, while 326 outlets were closed, resulting in a net growth of 730 retail locations.
As of July, 113 retail networks are operating in Ukraine with a total of 23,892 stores, representing a steady recovery and confidence in domestic demand, even amid the ongoing war.
🏬 Where Is Retail Growing the Fastest?
-
Kyiv and Kyiv region remain the undisputed leaders, hosting 5,622 stores.
-
Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv regions both have over 2,000 retail outlets.
-
Odessa and Kharkiv regions also show strong activity, with more than 1,000 stores each.
This retail boom reflects regional resilience and signals returning consumer activity, especially in more secure and economically active regions.
📊 Business Sentiment: Recovery with Caution
A joint survey by the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Digital Transformation shows a mixed but cautiously optimistic mood among entrepreneurs:
-
29.9% expect their company’s financial situation to improve.
-
7.8% fear it will significantly worsen.
-
21.2% rate their current situation as bad, while 61.5% call it satisfactory.
-
17.3% consider their business position good or excellent.
These numbers indicate renewed confidence among many businesses — especially in sectors like retail, logistics, construction, and services, where adaptability and regional demand are driving growth.
Conclusion:
Retail in Ukraine is on the rebound, with new store openings outpacing closures and businesses actively responding to localized demand and improved logistics. This growth shows that consumer activity is returning and entrepreneurs are investing in physical infrastructure again — a critical signal for broader economic stabilization.
