In Poland, 50,000 sqm of modern retail space was delivered to the market in the first three months of the year, according to Colliers International. Four schemes were completed in Q1, including Galeria Chełm (17,500 sqm), Stop Shop Siedlce (14,100 sqm), Galeria Kupiecka in Otwock (10,000 sqm) and Vendo Park Jawor (6,700 sqm). However, due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the new shopping centers, like all retail schemes in Poland right now, have limited possibilities to serve consumers. The health minister introduced a regulation last month banning the operation of retail schemes with sales areas exceeding 2,000 sqm. Exceptions include grocery stores, pharmacies, laundries and financial institutions. The regulation allows restaurants and cafes throughout the country to provide only take-away or delivery services. At the start of April, the government introduced additional restrictions, banning hairdressing, beauty, tattooing and piercing salons, and forcing DIY stores to close during the weekends until further notice.
