On August 17, 2026, the Ukrainian retail market marked a landmark event: the Novus supermarket chain, owned by the Lithuanian investment fund BT Invest, officially completed its largest expansion into the western region since the start of the full-scale war. The company opened two major supermarkets in Lviv simultaneously, with a combined retail area exceeding 3,200 square meters. This event not only expands the brand's geographic presence but also signals fundamental changes in the country's logistics and consumer flows.

M&A Strategy: Buying Instead of Building

The key factor behind the success of this expansion was the chosen strategy of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Amidst wartime risks and difficulties with new construction, Novus opted to acquire existing spaces. The retailer purchased locations from the former "Arsenal" chain (Eurotek Group), which had operated in Lviv for 24 years. This decision allowed the company to instantly access ready-made premises, infrastructure, and, crucially, an established flow of loyal customers. The new addresses are 60 Chervonoj Kalyny Avenue (1,500 sq. m) and 147 Zelenaya Street (1,760 sq. m).

Assortment and Localization: Focus on Craft

The new Novus outlets in Lviv are positioned as flagship quality stores. Each supermarket offers more than 13,500 product items, combining international brands, imports, and its own private label. However, the main differentiator was the decision to place a special emphasis on craft products from local manufacturers. The assortment is enriched with goods from Lviv and Western Ukrainian brands, allowing the chain to integrate better into the local market. Additionally, the stores feature their own "Master of Taste" production, offering fresh baked goods, hot pizza, cooked meals, and smoked products, as well as an expanded Fresh category with vegetables, fruits, and chilled meat.

Lviv as an Investment Magnet

During the opening ceremony, Novus CEO Mark Petkevich emphasized that entering Lviv is an important stage in the network's development. Lviv has become a magnet for investments due to a unique combination of factors: the migration of the solvent population from other regions, developed logistics, and relative safety. The network, which had been developing in Kyiv for over 16 years and was present in Rivne and Ternopil, has entered this strategic region for the first time, viewing it as a priority vector for development in the new reality.

Future Plans: Ivano-Frankivsk

The expansion is not limited to Lviv. According to official statements from the press service, the next step will be an entry into Ivano-Frankivsk, where the opening of the first supermarket is scheduled for September 2026. This confirms the thesis that the western region of Ukraine is becoming a center of attraction for retail leaders, combining investment capital and high consumer activity.