The market is changing: Silpo chain will take over Continent’s locations
22 October 10:17
One of the first private retail chains in independent Ukraine, Continent, is closing its operations in the capital after more than 30 years of operation. Continent announced this on its social media page, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
Before the complete liquidation, customers will have a final sale.
The last stores will be closed in the near future, and new Silpo supermarkets are already preparing to open in their place.
How the Continent chain has developed:
- 1993 – the first store was opened in Kyiv.
- 1996 – the first full-fledged supermarket of a new format was launched.
- 1998 – opening of an outlet on Yakub Kolasa Street.
- 2004 – opening of a supermarket on Svobody Avenue.
- 2011 – opening of a store on Dmytrivska Street.
- 2013 – opening of a supermarket on Akademika Kudriashova Street.
The chain expanded rapidly in the 2000s, maintaining its position as a local player in the grocery retail market. However, over time, competition from large national chains, changes in consumer habits, and economic pressure led to a gradual winding down of operations.
A rebranding attempt did not save the chain
In 2016, Continent carried out a large-scale rebranding, changing its visual concept and service format.
However, these measures did not have the desired economic effect – the chain was gradually losing market share.
Today, all Continent stores are either closed or have been operating for the last few days.
Of the last five Continent supermarkets, four have already ceased operations:
- 10, Yakub Kolas Street in Sviatoshynskyi district
- 26 Svobody Ave,
- 23 Akademika Kudryashova Street in Solomenskyi district
- 96-98 Dmytrivska Street in the Shevchenkivskyi district of Kyiv.
The last supermarket on Kudryashova Street will be closed until November 3.
What will replace Continent?
According to the Ukrainian Council of Shopping Centers and user reviews on social media, Silpo supermarkets will open in place of the Continent stores.
This is also confirmed by
- current vacancies from Silpo at the former addresses of the chain;
- statuses on Google Maps – “Closed forever”;
- comments from users who are already discussing the change of tenant.
As of the end of June 2025, the Silpo chain had 310 supermarkets and 4 Le Silpo delicatessens. In total, the retailer’s facilities are located in 22 regions of Ukraine.
