Page 99 - SE Outlook Regions 2024

5.5 Real economy - Kosovo
5.5.1 Retail
According to the latest available data, in August 2023, the retail sales index exhibited year-on-year increases in various economic activities. Notable upticks were observed in the following sectors: retail trade of other goods in specialised stores, with a significant rise of 18.5%; retail trade of IT and communication equipment in specialised stores, experiencing an increase of 17.7%; retail trade of cultural and entertainment goods in specialised stores, a 13.1% surge; and trade involving retail of food products, beverages, and tobacco in specialised stores, showing growth of 7.3%. Additionally, there was a modest increase of 2.9% in retail trade in non-specialised stores.
Conversely, certain sectors witnessed a decline in the retail sales index during the same period. There was a decrease of -1.9% in retail trade of fuel for vehicles in specialised stores, a -4.8% drop in retail trade of other household items in specialised stores, and a -10.9% reduction in retail trade not in stores (by mail or internet). Moreover, retail trade not in shops, stalls or markets experienced a significant decline of -21.9%.
Prishtina Mall, located in the Kosovan capital, was opened in March 2023.
Covering 239,000 sqm and with a gross leasable area (GLA) of 115,000 sqm, as well as offering parking for over 3,500 cars, Prishtina Mall was said to be the biggest shopping and entertainment mall in Southeast Europe. More than 200 international brands are represented within the mall, offering a diverse range of products and services.
In June 2023, French franchise group Mr. Bricolage expanded its presence by opening a new store in Kosovo.
Located in Pristina, the Mr. Bricolage store occupies a sales area of over 2,600 square metres within the new Prishtina Mall shopping centre. The entry of Mr. Bricolage into the Kosovo market through the Prishtina Mall marks a significant development in the retail landscape of the country.
The operator of the Mr. Bricolage store in Pristina is Brico Kosovo, a subsidiary of MCM Group, led by Milazim Zeqiraj. MCM Group holds the rights to the Mr. Bricolage brand in Albania, North Macedonia where the company has had a store in Skopje since 2017, and now in Kosovo.
5.5.2 Banks
Kosovo is Europe’s youngest country, but its banking sector has shown itself to be mature and resilient, Anita Kovacic, the CEO of Raiffeisen
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