In the first quarter of 2026, the net growth of Ukrainian retail amounted to 317 retail outlets.
In the first quarter of 2026, the expansion of retail chains continued in Ukraine. In January-March, 569 new stores were opened, while 252 facilities ceased operation. Thus, the net growth amounted to 317 retail outlets. The largest number of stores is traditionally concentrated in Kyiv and the region - 6116. The leaders in retail development also include Dnipropetrovsk and Lviv regions, where there are over 2000 retail facilities in each. Over a thousand stores operate in Odessa and Kharkiv regions.
In general, the market is demonstrating positive dynamics, with the active opening of new retail outlets starting mainly in the second half of February.
Statistics by type and geography of new stores, namely:
Grocery stores
Grocery retail accounts for about 22% of all retail outlets - 5,707 stores of various formats, from hypermarkets to small stores near the home. In the first three months of the year, 125 new outlets opened in this segment, and only 41 stores were closed.
The largest number of grocery stores is concentrated in Kyiv and the region - 1,922 stores. A high concentration is also observed in Lviv and Dnipro. The capital region and Lviv region are leading in terms of the pace of opening new stores, with Ivano-Frankivsk region in third place. At the same time, there is practically no growth in the north, east and partly in the central regions of the country.
Among grocery chains, Simi, ATB and Novus expanded most actively. In particular, the company "Clever Stores" from Lutsk, which is developing the Simi chain in the convenience store format, opened 40 new markets in the western regions of Ukraine.
Non-food stores
The non-food retail segment occupies 21% of the market and has 5,445 stores. The dynamics here are less active: 99 new points were opened during the quarter, while 75 objects were closed.
The main volumes of non-food trade are concentrated in Kyiv, Dnipro and Odessa. At the same time, no growth of networks was recorded in the Dnipropetrovsk region, while a noticeable expansion is observed in the Kyiv, Odessa and Lviv regions.
The most active expansions in this segment were made by the Aurora chains, which opened 59 stores, Eva with 13 new points, as well as the Vinnytsia chain Blisk, previously known as "Shick and Blysk", which launched nine objects.
Pharmacies
A significant share of Ukrainian retail is occupied by pharmacy chains. As of March 2026, 18,078 pharmacies were operating in the country, of which 8,690 belong to RAU member companies. In January-March, 148 new pharmacies were opened, while 90 closed.
The largest number of pharmacies is concentrated in Kyiv and the region - 1,928 facilities. This is followed by Dnipro - 864 pharmacies and Lviv - 583. A significant number of pharmacies also operate in Kharkiv (620) and Poltava (447).
The largest increase in pharmacies was recorded in Dnipropetrovsk region, where 40 new facilities opened, although 34 ceased operation at the same time. In Kyiv and the region, 19 new pharmacies appeared, and 11 closed. In Lviv region, the figures were 11 openings versus 9 closures.
Electronics and home appliance stores
As of March, 1,811 stores were operating in the electronics and home appliance segment. 27 new outlets opened in three months, and 23 stores closed. The largest net growth was recorded in Kyiv (+5), Dnipro (+3) and Odessa (+1). Positive dynamics were also noted in Zhytomyr region, where two more stores appeared.
In other regions, the situation remains stable without significant changes. The share of this segment does not exceed 7% of the total number of retail outlets.
Among the chains that most actively opened new electronics and home appliance stores, Yabluka stands out with six new locations, as well as the networks of mobile operators lifecell (+5) and Kyivstar (+7).
Gas stations
As of March 2026, the networks of gas stations (gas stations) included in RAU numbered 2,074 operating gas stations. During the quarter, their number increased by 120 facilities.
The Kyiv region leads in terms of the concentration of gas stations - 387 gas stations. This is followed by Lviv region with 245 facilities and Dnipropetrovsk region - with 150. However, in the capital region, the increase was only one gas station, while 13 new gas stations opened in Lviv region, and nine in Dnipropetrovsk region. Significant expansion was also recorded in Rivne region (+20 gas stations) and Zhytomyr region (+11).
The top five regions with the largest number of gas stations also include Odesa and Volyn regions, where 145 and 103 gas stations operate, respectively.
One of the most active market players was UPG, which increased its network by 116 gas stations in three months. The company is betting on leasing and rebranding existing gas stations, which allows it to quickly expand its market presence with lower costs.
Source: dengi.ua
