Pepco targets CEE for majority of planned store openings

Pepco Group is set to open 300 new stores by the end of 2025, with a primary focus on expanding its presence in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The majority of these openings will feature the Pepco brand, aligning with the company’s strategy to strengthen its foothold in the region, the company announced.

This approach builds on the momentum of 2024, during which Pepco launched 331 new stores, including 232 in CEE countries. Poland accounted for 83 of these locations, representing more than 25% of the total.

“Our strategy focuses on markets we know well, where we are confident in achieving strong returns. Most of the new stores will be in the CEE region, where we already hold a strong market position,” said Marcin Stańko, Chief Operating Officer for Eastern Europe. “We aim to expand across a range of locations, including shopping malls, retail parks, and high streets, ensuring convenience for our customers in all settings.”

Pepco is also prioritizing improvements in product assortment and customer service to enhance shopping experiences. “Deepening our understanding of customer needs is a critical part of our strategy,” the company emphasized. Regular research and analysis of consumer trends, brand value, and macroeconomic factors guide decisions across various departments, from purchasing to store design, ensuring offerings are tailored to customer preferences.

Marcin Stańko, who has been instrumental in Pepco’s growth since its inception in 2004, returned to the company in 2024 as Chief Operating Officer for Eastern Europe. With nearly 30 years of retail experience, Stańko is leading network expansion and operational strategies across the region.

In Poland, Bożena Pekowska, a long-time member of the Pepco team, has resumed her role as Head of Expansion after a brief hiatus. Pekowska, who has been with the company since its early days, is expected to play a pivotal role in driving growth within the Polish market.

Pepco continues to see significant potential in the retail sector and plans to sustain its growth by focusing on market-specific strategies and customer satisfaction. By prioritizing research-driven decisions and adapting store formats to meet local needs, the company is positioned to strengthen its dominance in the CEE region while delivering a high-quality shopping experience.

Source: Pepco and ISBnews