In October this year Arricano, a leading developer and chain operator of European-quality shopping complexes, will open NAMES'UA modateka, a first multi-branded department store of Ukrainian designer goods. The project is being implemented in conjunction with the leading chain retailer KarKatFashion in Prospect SEC located in the capital’s left bank district. Fashion goods representing over 50 designer brands will be displayed on the 1,000 sq.m. area.

“The decision to bring together Ukrainian designers and manufacturers under one roof was inspired by multiple factors – says Arricano’s CEO Mikhail Merkulov. – Firstly, there is a growing demand for all things Ukrainian, e.g. over 50% of consumers want to purchase Ukrainian made fashion goods, yet there was nothing on the market to satisfy this demand. Secondly, as an innovative SEC operator, we were looking for a unique, yet cross-functional solution that can be easily multiplied, and the conceptual department store of Ukrainian made designer goods is exactly the solution we sought. Last but not least, we are well aware that at economic recession times partnerships become a priority: in this instance over 50 Ukrainian designers and manufacturers and two international companies joined their efforts to implement a shared vision. I am confident that NAMES’UA will become the focal point for those seeking to buy Ukrainian fashion goods”.

The innovative format of the first Ukrainian multi-branded designer store stands out by its holistic combination of the conceptual and spatial aspects in its terrain. Modateka is a conceptual space where the commercial, formative and educational aspects are merged into one. At NAMES’UA visitors will be able to access information on the latest fashion news, styles and trends, learn about and personally meet the designers whose shoes, clothes and accessories are on offer, consult with a stylist and attend a variety of interesting fashion events.

Designer goods will be divided in two price categories: clothing and accessories made from quality materials at affordable prices and fashion brands of high quality clothing and accessories at medium to high prices. The retail space is clearly divided into zones: male and female clothing, clothing for home and sports, a lounge area housing a cafeteria and a separate public events zone.

“NAMES’UA has a lot of growth potential, - stresses Tatiana Burkatskaya, project manager from Arricano Real Estate, - in the areas of expanding the range, sales floor area, inventing new concepts of fashion events etc. For example, in February 2016 we intend to open a children’s clothing section at modateka NAMES’UA. The Ukrainian fashion industry is a growing segment of the retail market. Customers want diversity, quality, uniqueness, interesting concepts and a special ambience. We are prepared to be developing hand in hand with the consumers’ growing interest to Ukrainian fashion”