The pet product market in Ukraine has grown by more than 50% over the past three years, with sales of pet supplies at the “Epicenter” chain increasing by 80%, reported the retailer's press service to the Interfax-Ukraine agency.
According to Svetlana Lisanti, the project development director for Lapki at the Epicenter chain, as of the end of November 2024, “Epicenter” is experiencing an annual growth rate of 15% in the pet product category, despite cautious forecasts at the beginning of 2024.
She noted that the war has changed attitudes toward pets: Ukrainians are more frequently opting for higher quality food, particularly holistic options, as well as products to create a comfortable environment for their beloved animals.
In the sales structure, top positions are held by food and treats for cats and dogs, whose sales have increased by 23% this year. Since 2021, sales have nearly tripled for dogs and risen by 73% for cats, almost equalizing in volume in 2024. Meanwhile, products for other animals, such as fish, rodents, and birds, are showing a decline, highlighting the unwavering love Ukrainians have for cats and dogs.
Pet care remains a priority for Ukrainians even amidst unfavorable economic conditions in the country. The company aims to support this trend by strengthening its connection with pet owners. In honor of World Pet Day, celebrated on November 30, “Epicenter” hosted an open house for all visitors with pets. On this day, attendees received gifts from event partners: Animall, Purina, Monge, Farmina, Basttet`o Holistic, and HiDog.
"It is important for us to maintain the positive attitude of Ukrainians towards pets. We share the love and care for them and want to be a true friend to their owners. That is why we open our doors to all visitors with pets, aiming to make the overall shopping experience comfortable and enjoyable," says Svetlana Lisanti, project development director for Lapki at the Epicenter chain.
The Epicenter group of companies is an omnichannel ecosystem that includes the “Epicenter” and “Nova Liniya” retail chains, the online store epicentrk.ua, the agricultural holding “Epicenter-Agro,” the ceramic tile manufacturing plants of Epicenter Ceramic Corporation, the woodworking enterprise CBM “Osmoloda,” and logistics facilities.
Before the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, the “Epicenter” chain consisted of more than 80 shopping centers across all regions of the country. The war destroyed seven shopping centers in Mariupol, Nikopol, Bucha, Chernihiv, Kharkiv, and Kherson (two). Three more locations (in Melitopol, Kramatorsk, and Kharkiv) are not operational due to the occupation of Ukrainian territories, shelling, or proximity to combat zones.
As of early November 2024, the retailer's chain consisted of 71 operational shopping centers in Ukraine.
According to the Unified State Register of legal entities and individual entrepreneurs, the participants of LLC "Epicenter K" are Alexander Geriga (51.3%), Galina Geriga (47.97%), and Tatyana Surzhik (0.73%).