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HomeInterviewsCroatia to Get Five New STOP SHOP Retail Parks in 2026

Croatia to Get Five New STOP SHOP Retail Parks in 2026

The STOP SHOP retail park network by CPI Property Group is expanding rapidly across Croatia, and here is where they will open next.

STOP SHOP is one of the largest and most recognised retail park brands in Croatia, operating since 2018.

Today, the network consists of 19 retail parks across the country, including Valpovo, Osijek, Našice, Kaštel Sućurac, Ludbreg, Velika Gorica, Gospić, Daruvar, Vinkovci, Pazin, Labin, Čakovec, Đakovo, Vukovar, Dugo Selo, Virovitica, Krapina, Ivanec, and Nova Gradiška.

New Retail Park Openings in 2026

According to Joško Piteša, Country Manager Operations in Croatia, the STOP SHOP network will expand to five new locations next year in the towns of Knin, Sinj, Samobor, Kutina, and Bjelovar.

In addition to the new openings, the existing STOP SHOP retail park in Vinkovci will be expanded with five new retail units, due to its strong business performance.

“Croatia continues to prove itself as a highly receptive market for the STOP SHOP retail park concept. Our focus on small and mid-sized towns allows us to bring a convenient, high-quality shopping experience to communities that have traditionally had limited access to modern retail formats,” – Joško Piteša.

The planned projects in Sinj and Knin show that southern Croatia is an important focus for STOP SHOP’s further expansion.

“STOP SHOP already operates successfully in the wider Split area, in Kaštel Sućurac. This has helped us conduct market analysis and research on public sentiment to confirm there is strong potential for further development in the south,”  – Joško Piteša.

Investment & Local Impact

The new STOP SHOP developments will have a clear positive impact on local communities, primarily through job creation.

Each retail park is expected to create around 100 new jobs, supporting local labour markets and the economic stability of the towns.

In addition to job creation, the projects will contribute to urban development and local economic growth.

“By enhancing commercial activity, improving infrastructure and increasing the overall attractiveness of towns, the new STOP SHOP retail parks will play an active role in strengthening local economies,” – Joško Piteša.

Retail Park Concept & Tenant Mix

All new STOP SHOP retail parks will have approximately:

  • Average size: 7,980 sqm
  • 10 retail units per location
  • 290 parking spaces

Each location will apply the same established retail park model, focused on accessibility and a clearly defined tenant mix adapted to local demand.

“Special emphasis is placed on integrating local businesses, enabling each retail park to reflect the character of its surroundings and strengthen its connection with the local community,”.  – Joško Piteša.

The offer will include a well-balanced mix of international and domestic brands, complemented by selected local retailers and service providers.

“The tenant mix will be designed to cover all everyday needs in one place, ensuring a convenient shopping experience for all age groups. This includes fashion, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, everyday essentials, children’s products, pet care, and home goods“. –  Joško Piteša.

The biggest strength of STOP SHOP is that strong, long-term tenant partnerships support its Croatian network expansion.

More than 50 trusted retail partners currently follow the brand across the country, and it is expected that many of these established tenants will also be present in the new locations.

Community Engagement

Beyond retail, the new STOP SHOP retail parks will actively support local communities through various humanitarian and health initiatives.

During 2025, STOP SHOP retail parks across Croatia hosted several nationwide initiatives that will be repeated next year:

Skin Mole Screenings

In cooperation with leading dermatologists, STOP SHOP organised free skin mole screenings focused on early detection and prevention.

Following a pilot project in two cities last year, the initiative expanded to seven locations in 2025. Due to high interest, screenings in some towns lasted several days. The initiative received strong public and media response, particularly in smaller communities with limited access to preventive healthcare.

STOP SHOP plans to offer free mole screenings at all locations across Croatia in 2026.

Pink October 

As part of the international breast cancer awareness campaign, STOP SHOP partnered with Primamed Polyclinic to provide free breast examinations for women.

This helped raise awareness of early detection, regular check-ups, and preventive healthcare.

Pink October shows that STOP SHOP is committed to supporting women’s health and healthy lifestyles.

Movember

In November, STOP SHOP supported the global Movember campaign in cooperation with Primamed Special Hospital, offering free preventive health check-ups for men.

This initiative highlighted the importance of early detection of prostate and testicular cancer, as well as raised mental health awareness.

Through on-site activities and digital channels, STOP SHOP actively encourages open dialogue and preventive action in areas that are still often stigmatised or neglected.

Community Events

In addition to health programmes, STOP SHOP retail parks host year-round activities in cooperation with tenants and local communities, including family events, seasonal programmes, and locally tailored initiatives.

These activities strengthen the role of STOP SHOP locations as community hubs and everyday meeting points.

“For STOP SHOP, social responsibility is not an occasional activity but a core value that guides our daily work. We believe the true strength of a brand lies in its ability to positively impact people’s lives,” – Joško Piteša.

Looking Ahead

By the end of 2025, STOP SHOP retail parks in Croatia are expected to record approximately 30 million visits across 19 locations.

These results confirm that STOP SHOP retail parks are key shopping, leisure and social destinations in the communities they serve.

“With a strong and steadily growing number of visitors across Croatia each year, STOP SHOP retail parks have become an integral part of everyday life in the communities in which they operate. The positive reception of the brand by local residents confirms that Croatia is a highly receptive and stable market for the STOP SHOP concept, providing a solid foundation for further growth and long-term development” – Joško Piteša.

Building on this success, STOP SHOP plans to continue expanding its network across the country, with the ambition to exceed 24 locations in Croatia by the end of 2026.

The new retail parks will further strengthen STOP SHOP’s presence in both established and new markets, becoming natural shopping, leisure and social hubs in their respective towns.

Looking ahead, Joško says challenges include economic uncertainty and rising consumer expectations. At the same time, the greatest opportunities lie in further localising the offer and creating additional value for local communities.

STOP SHOP addresses these trends by continuously improving the retail experience, adapting to consumer needs, and integrating sustainability principles into its development strategy.

“STOP SHOP is a concept that grows together with the communities we serve. Our goal is to create accessible, welcoming places that combine convenience, diversity, and everyday functionality. For our partners, STOP SHOP remains a reliable long-term partner with a clear vision for growth,” – Joško Piteša.

For more information, visit: stop-shop.com

Nevena Kostic
Nevena Kostic
I’m Nevena Kostić, a retail industry professional with 20 years of experience in shopping center consultancy, leasing, and marketing. I share insights on retail and shopping center trends, which you can follow by subscribing to our free newsletter. For collaboration opportunities connect with me on LinkedIn or reach out via email below!

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