Hungary’s retail sector is drawing renewed attention from international foodservice operators, with several global fast food chains preparing to enter or return to the market.

A new retail park, Ławica Shopping Park, has opened in Poznań next to the city’s airport on Bukowska Street. The development offers around 7,000 sqm of rental space, almost fully leased before its launch.

ETC Swarzędz, a shopping centre owned by Capital Park Group, has reached 97% occupancy, making it one of the best-leased retail properties in the Wielkopolska region. The high level of commercialisation reflects the centre’s stable position in the local market and its appeal to both tenants and customers.

Property developer Prime Kapital has secured an €85.5 million refinancing facility from Erste Group for Argeș Mall, which opened in April 2024.

Real estate owner GTC has secured a refinancing loan of up to €84 million from J&T Banka for Galeria Północna, one of its landmark retail assets in Warsaw. The five-year facility will strengthen the company’s liquidity and support the acquisition of the remaining stake in its German residential portfolio, the company announced on LinkedIn.  

The Hungarian government has adopted an amendment to the regulation known as the “mall stop,” narrowing its impact compared to the earlier draft. The new decree (274/2025. VIII.18.) will require new owners or tenants of commercial units larger than 400 sqm to obtain a change-of-use permit only if the premises are operated as stores selling daily consumer goods. The regulation takes effect on 17 September 2025.

Oasis Retail Development & Consulting has announced the completion of the third development phase of Prima Shopping Center, the largest retail park in the central-west region of Romania, which now covers 60,000 sqm.

In June, Property Forum reported on a draft amendment to Hungary’s so-called “mall stop” regulation, which governs the operation of retail units larger than 400 sqm. The government has now adopted the proposal, with the new decree published in the Official Gazette on 18 August.

Primark, the international fashion retailer, will open its fourth local store on September 9, located in CPI Romania’s VIVO! Cluj-Napoca project.

Big Poland has completed the rebranding of its shopping park in Koszalin, which now officially operates under the name Big Koszalin. To mark the occasion, the largest shopping park in the region will host a launch event on 27 August featuring free attractions and a live concert.