More Retail Properties on the Rise, Especially in Small Towns. Parks Dominate New Developments

COMMERCEMore Retail Properties on the Rise, Especially in Small Towns. Parks Dominate New Developments

The supply of retail properties in Poland is growing, especially in smaller towns. In 2025, a total of 36 new retail facilities were delivered to the market, 33 of which were retail parks, according to data from CBRE. Nearly one-third of all retail space in Poland is now located in towns with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants. Additionally, 62% of ongoing retail developments are also being built in such locations. Data from Poland’s Central Statistical Office (GUS) shows rising retail sales and falling inflation—a combination that encourages new international brands to enter the Polish market.

“The latest market data is good news for both consumers and investors. GUS statistics show a 6.4% increase in retail sales and inflation down to 2.9% year-on-year. These positive trends are likely to persist over the coming months, supporting the continued development of the retail sector. Investors are primarily focusing on small towns, where the retail market is still not saturated. Retail parks dominate—convenient, open-access developments that typically consist of several or a dozen stores, with direct access from the parking lot,” says Anna Wysocka, Head of Retail at CBRE.


Retail Market Expansion in 2025

Since the beginning of 2025, around 281,300 sqm of retail space has been added to the Polish market, across 36 new facilities and 19 extensions. Of these, 33 were retail parks. For the first time in six years, an outlet center was opened: Designer Outlet Kraków, covering 19,000 sqm—the largest retail opening of the year. Other significant openings include S1 Włocławek (17,000 sqm) and Przystanek Karkonosze (15,400 sqm) in Miłków near Karpacz. With these additions, total retail floor space in Poland now stands at 15.31 million sqm.


More Retail Space on the Way

At the end of Q3 2025, over 690,600 sqm of retail space was under construction. The vast majority (87%) of this consists of retail parks. Furthermore, over half (62%) is located in towns with populations under 100,000. Currently, 31% of all retail stock in Poland is in small towns—a share that is set to grow even further. Two shopping centers over 15,000 sqm are also currently under development.


New Brands Enter the Market

Positive consumer sentiment and increasing retail supply are driving investment by international brands in Poland. Since the beginning of 2025, nine new brands have entered the market. In fashion, these include Guess Jeans from the U.S. and Ocean from Ukraine, as well as Miramira from Spain, offering accessories and jewelry. Other newcomers include Armagan Toys from Turkey (children’s products), Pino Kuchen from Germany (homeware), and Join UP! from Ukraine (travel services). Food company Bottlery from Lithuania, restaurant and café chain Omnichise from Turkey, and Chinese retail chain Miniso have also launched operations in Poland.


Sustainability in Retail

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities are becoming increasingly important in the retail sector.

“Owners of older properties in particular are facing growing challenges—from rising expectations of banks and investors to higher demands from tenants and consumers. The key to success is adopting a decarbonization strategy, which helps secure financing and attract potential buyers,” notes Wysocka from CBRE.


Retail Rent Levels Remain Stable

Rental costs for retail space remain stable. In the best shopping centers, rents range from €100–130 per sqm per month in Warsaw and €40–60 per sqm per month in other major cities, for modern units of around 100 sqm. Rents in retail parks stand at €9–12 per sqm per month for spaces of about 500 sqm.


Source: CEO.com.pl – “Small Towns, Big Investments: 62% of Retail Space Under Construction Outside Major Cities”

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