Galeria Wiślanka, which is being built in Żory and whose construction started in the middle of this year, has already been leased in approximately 80 percent. Wiślanka will open in the fourth quarter of 2020. The fast pace of leasing commercial space is proof that retail chains are recognizing the growing potential of Polish regions and the increase in the purchasing power of consumers living in these markets. In addition, the markets of the largest cities are already largely saturated and there is no potential for a significant increase in sales volume - says Ewa Ściubidło, vice president of Mallson Polska, who is responsible for leasing space in Galeria Wiślanka in Żory.

- Żory is a city in southern Poland, which currently lacks modern shopping centers. The existing resources of commercial space do not match the needs and requirements of consumers who are looking for goods and services of recognized brands, as well as a diverse cultural and entertainment offer - says Ewa Ściubidło. Following this trail, Galeria Wiślanka will deliver 20,000 sq m of modern space to the market, on which will be next to a wide range of trade and services also the first multi-screen cinema in Żory and a gastronomic zone. Therefore, it will be a place where Żory residents will not only shop, but also take advantage of the entertainment offer reserved to the present time for the inhabitants of larger cities - adds Ewa Ściubidło.

Galeria Wiślanka is being built in the immediate vicinity of the intersection of the two largest streets in Żory: the national road DK81 (colloquially called "Wiślanka") and the provincial road DW 935, which forms the city beltway and leads to the A1 motorway. As part of the investment, a car park for 600 cars is being built, and right next to the Gallery there is a free public sea bus stop, which directly takes you to the city center.

Over 750,000 people live within the reach of Galeria Wiślanka (up to 30 minutes by car) (source: GFK). Żory itself has a population of over 60,000. In the context of the age of people living in Żory, it is the youngest city in Silesia. Residents are also characterized by a relatively high purchasing power, which shows an upward trend. The region in question is also characterized by a very low unemployment rate due to the wide range of jobs proposed by international companies thriving in the Żory economic zone.

- Poland is a highly polarized market: most modern retail space is concentrated on the markets of the largest Polish cities, and the inhabitants of smaller towns, in order to shop in stores of well-known brands or take advantage of the entertainment offer often have to go to larger urban centers far away from their place of residence - says Ewa Ściubidło. Investors are beginning to notice the potential of smaller towns, which Galeria Wiślanka is the best example. Many well-known brands will open their stores in Wiślanka, including Mohito, Reserved, House, CCC, the popular food operator Lidl, Rossmann, Orsay, Empik, Smyk, RTV Euro AGD, home & you, Pepco, 4F, Quiosque, Triumph and other well-known chains. In total, the gallery will contain 80 retail and service outlets as well as the already mentioned first multi-screen cinema in Żory: Helios. We are conducting advanced talks with other potential tenants in Galeria Wiślanka - sums up Ewa Ściubidło.