Shopping and entertainment complexes in the frontline cities of Ukraine have become important centers for supporting the economy, social stability and public unity. Despite the challenges of the war, the Sun Gallery shopping mall in Kryvyi Rih and the CITY MALL in Zaporizhzhia demonstrate resilience, adapting to new realities.

Challenges and new opportunities

"We do not just work, but support the community that needs help and stability. Our team has adapted to new conditions and, despite all the challenges, ensures the daily operation of the shopping mall. Arricano and CITY MALL actively help Ukrainian defenders, local NGOs, charitable foundations, Zaporizhzhia Polytechnic National University, and conduct social, educational, and family events on a monthly basis. I thank all partners with whom we work every day to develop business in frontline Zaporizhzhia," says Vardui Batrakova, Director of the CITY MALL in Zaporizhzhia.

Thanks to the coordinated work of the Arricano team, the vacancy of the facility is kept at the technical level. In November, two new operators joined the tenant-mix of the CITY MALL: the leading brand of electronics and home appliances "Foxtrot" and the Ukrainian clothing brand Fabric17.  

Resilience example: Sun Gallery shopping mall

In January 2024, Kryvyi Rih suffered a missile attack that damaged the building of the Sun Gallery shopping mall. Thanks to investments in recovery, quick actions, a high level of adaptability and determination of the team, within a few weeks the complex partially resumed its work.

According to the director of the Sun Gallery shopping mall, Maryna Baranova, the activities of the shopping mall in the frontline regions have undergone significant changes during this time. This is due to security risks and changes in consumer behavior. At the same time, the war opened up new opportunities: attracting visitors among internally displaced persons and strengthening ties with communities through joint social initiatives. 

"Currently, the Sun Gallery shopping mall is visited daily by thousands of residents of Kryvyi Rih, tenant-mix for 2024 replenished with new Ukrainian and international brands, in particular Sinsay. We continue to restore the site so that in 2025 all our tenants can provide services to their customers on a daily basis, and visitors spend even more time with their relatives in the shopping complex," said Maryna Baranova, Director of the Sun Gallery shopping mall.

In addition to the restoration of the object after the rocket attack, the redevelopment of one of the parts of the galleries continues. After changing the anchor grocery tenant, it became possible to expand the retail space to other areas. Thus, at the end of October, one of the new sections opened a large network operator of the fashion direction for the whole family — Sinsay, which has a positive impact on traffic dynamics.

"We have restored the work of the food court area, reorganized the location of operators in the shopping mall and already have signed agreements with new tenants who will replenish tenant-mix this year. There are many discoveries ahead, interesting partnership projects and events that, I am convinced, will definitely appeal to our visitors,” said Maryna Baranova.

Currently the filling rate of regional projects of Arricano is more than 93% and we are working with potential tenants on openings early 2025. 

Social responsibility in action

Arricano, the leading network operator of 4 shopping malls in Ukraine, in particular Sun Gallery shopping mall and CITY MALL, as a socially responsible company, adhering to its own CSR strategy, monthly directs its efforts to help various segments of the population, supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine, charitable foundations, public organizations, etc. 

Despite the proximity to the front line, both shopping malls are centers of support for people, social spaces where you can spend time with your loved ones, get positive emotions, good impressions and recharge your energy to move on, donate and support your loved ones.

"Sun Gallery shopping mall and CITY MALL have become symbols of resilience and adaptation. They not only support economic activity, but also help communities feel stable and cared for even in the most difficult conditions. Despite all the challenges, Arricano continues to invest in the development of its shopping malls in frontline cities, creates jobs. The company supports employees, provides an opportunity for visitors to escape from everyday affairs and actively spend time with children and friends in comfortable shopping malls. We care about people and focus our work on maintaining their mental health, which is extremely important during the war,” said Anna Chubotina, CEO of Arricano.