MarketBeat Slovakia Retail

Slovakia’s retail market entered the second half of 2026 with varying performance across individual segments. Total retail sales increased by 1.6% year-on-year in August, bringing cumulative growth for January to August to 0.6%. Performance differed significantly by category: sales in DIY, furniture and electronics stores increased by 8.6% year-on-year, while online and mail-order sales declined by 4.6%.

These differences are also reflected in the leasing market. Smaller retail units of around 200 to 300 sq m remain more difficult to lease, while fashion, specialised sports and drugstore concepts face strong competition. In contrast, distinctive F&B concepts and cafés are performing well, reflecting consumer demand for quality and unique experiences. Fitness operators also continue to expand, supported by growing interest in health and active lifestyles.

Development activity continues to focus primarily on retail parks. Three new projects totalling 10,400 sq m were delivered in Q3 in Nitra, Komárno and Žilina. A further 25,300 sq m is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, with approximately 66,000 sq m planned for 2027.

Prime rents remained stable at €100/sq m/month for shopping centres and €15/sq m/month for retail parks. Prime yields were also unchanged at 6.50% for shopping centres and 6.75% for retail parks. Higher operating costs and only moderate retail sales growth continue to limit the potential for stronger rental growth.

Investors continue to favour successful retail parks and dominant shopping centres, with particular emphasis on resilient footfall, stable tenant performance and, increasingly, dwell time.