2025 was an exceptionally successful year for STOP SHOP in Croatia, further confirming the strength and sustainability of the retail park concept in the domestic market. Through stable operations, strong footfall and continued investment in local communities, STOP SHOP has solidified its position as one of the leading and most recognizable retail brands in the country, while creating a solid foundation for further expansion in the years to come.
STOP SHOP has been operating in Croatia since 2018, and today the network includes a total of 19 retail parks in cities such as Osijek, Nasice, Valpovo, Ludbreg, Kastel Sucurac, Velika Gorica, Djakovo, Daruvar, vinkovci, Labin, Pay attention, Cakovec, Djakovo, Vukovar, Dugo Selo, Virovitica, krapina, Ivanec te Nova GradiskaDuring 2025, the focus was on further stabilizing the portfolio, improving the offering and strengthening the role of STOP SHOP locations as everyday shopping and social centers of local communities.
"The results we are achieving confirm that the STOP SHOP concept is very well suited to the needs of Croatian cities, especially small and medium-sized communities. Our goal is to provide a quality, accessible and simple shopping experience close to home, while at the same time being a reliable partner to the local community," he said. Joško Piteša, Country Manager Operations for Croatia.
Josko Piteša
Social responsibility as an integral part of business
In addition to business results, the year 2025 was also marked by a series of socially responsible initiatives that further emphasize the values of the STOP SHOP brand. Special emphasis is placed on health and preventive programs, with the aim of improving the quality of life in the environments where STOP SHOP operates.
One of the most significant initiatives was free dermatological mole screenings, carried out in collaboration with leading dermatologists. After a successful pilot project the previous year, the program was expanded to seven STOP SHOP locations across Croatia in 2025, with more than 400 citizens undergoing preventive mole screenings. The great interest of citizens, as well as positive reactions from the local community and the media, further confirmed the need for these forms of preventive healthcare, especially in cities with limited access to specialist examinations.
STOP SHOP also actively participated in the international health campaigns Pink October and Movember. During October, in collaboration with the Primamed Special Hospital, women were provided with free preventive breast examinations, while in November the focus was on men's health. In addition to raising awareness about the importance of early detection of diseases and mental health, men were also provided with free systematic preventive examinations during November, further emphasizing the importance of regular health care.
"For STOP SHOP, social responsibility is not an occasional activity, but the basis of our business. Retail parks are not just places to shop, but spaces that should serve the community and create real, long-term value," emphasized Piteša.
In addition to health initiatives, STOP SHOP locations organize family and seasonal programs throughout the year, events in collaboration with tenants, and activities adapted to the local context, further strengthening their role as a place of meeting and everyday interaction.
The year 2026 brings new openings and expansion of existing locations
The strong results achieved in 2025 open the door to the continuation of this dynamic investment cycle. During 2026, STOP SHOP plans to open five new retail parks in Knin, Sinj, Samobor, Kutina and Bjelovar. Special attention is paid to southern Croatia, where, in addition to the existing location in Kaštel Sućurac, the network will be expanded to Sinj and Knin, further strengthening the brand's presence in that region.
At the same time, the expansion of the STOP SHOP retail park in Vinkovci with five new sales units is planned, in response to strong demand from tenants and extremely good business results of the location.
The new locations will be developed according to the proven STOP SHOP model, with an average area of around 8.000 square meters, a dozen sales units and almost 300 parking spaces. Special emphasis is placed on a carefully selected mix of international and domestic brands, with the inclusion of local suppliers and manufacturing brands.
A stable foundation for future development
By the end of 2025, STOP SHOP retail parks in Croatia expect around 30 million visits, confirming their important role in the daily life of local communities. With continued growth, STOP SHOP has the ambition to end 2026 with a total of 24 locations open on Croatian soil.
"STOP SHOP is not just a brand for us, but a concept that grows together with the people and cities we operate in. Our vision is to create accessible, functional and pleasant places that simplify everyday life and connect the community in the long term," concluded Joško Piteša.
Photo: Stop shop
