Last year was a challenging period for the retail sector determined by global economic processes such as the energy crisis, strong inflationary effects, rising fuel and utility prices, and increased economic uncertainty, which led to a decrease in household purchasing power. The past six months of recession had a significant impact on the commercial sector, but the dramatic decline in consumption predicted by economic experts did not occur.
In 2022, Pólus Center managed to achieve a 10% increase in visitor numbers and a 25% increase in turnover compared to the previous year. Its rental occupancy rate stood at an exceptionally high over 96%.
Keeping up with the times, the shopping center also implemented a number of energy modernization projects in the past five years, leading to a 53% fall in gas consumption, and a 30% decrease in electricity consumption by the end of 2022.
The owner of the Pólus Center, CPI Property Group, recognized the need for diverse utilization of time spent in the mall, and the importance of experiential shopping, and therefore decided to create several communal spaces for visitors last year. The Pólus Trust Library, cozy coworking office, and Chill Zone playroom for children all proved to be popular among visitors.
The shopping center anticipates that the predicted economic recession for 2023 will not hinder its strong industry position, and they expect further growth in turnover as well as the opening of new stores.
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