Now in the 2nd phase, over 80% of the space already has tenants signed up. The biggest attraction will be a two-floor Primark, the Irish fashion chain’s first store in Slovakia. The gastro-section also has positive changes with the new dining area doubling in size. With 1,156 seats, supplemented by a Food Hall, and 16 restaurants on the Danube promenade, it will create the largest gastro destination in Slovakia. The Cinema City will also grow to 17 screens and a completely new VIP concept post-reconstruction.
Preparations for the opening
Stores in the current shopping arcade are undergoing redesign, enlargement, or relocation. “After twelve years of operation, we could optimize the tenant mix. Within the phases we relocated some current tenants or gave them the opportunity to enlarge their space and also invited new brands to enter the center,“ observes Katarína Paule, Eurovea’s leasing manager. Datart, New Yorker, H&M, DM drugstore, and Tatra banka were all redesigned. The new store concept will soon introduce Billa, Sports Direct, and cinemas. “We aim to strengthen the center’s position as an attractive destination for everyday shopping, services, and entertainment. We are building on what our customers liked, and we are expanding it,“ explains Paule. This year the shopping center welcomed luxury jewelry store HALADA with over 40 years of tradition, Italian Terranova with women’s, men’s, and children’s fashion on two floors, and CCC – the largest shoe retailer in Central Europe – with 1,300 sq m. On the first floor, fans of interior design will find the largest Home&You store in Slovakia with modern decorations and home accessories. DNA Beauty & Brunch salon experience concept is coming, and at the beginning of next year, the American fashion brand Calvin Klein Jeans and Calvin Klein Underwear will open two ground-floor boutiques.
New brands in the 2nd phase
Among newly-arriving second-phase retailers, key tenants are attracting the most attention. Alongside Primark are also the sports fashion retailer Nike, British brand JD Sports, and the new larger Mango that includes Mango Man. “Tenants are very interested because it is the largest project of its kind in recent years with an attractive location in the city center and ideal composition,” says Katarína Paule. The fashion event of the year will be the first brick-and-mortar stores of the successful online platforms Modivo and eobuv, which for the first time will create a physical, fully-automated shopping experience in Eurovea. The fashion range is diversified by the Halfprice concept, where customers can buy products from well-known global brands at exceptional prices in the largest area in Slovakia. The store sells clothes, shoes, fashion accessories, sports assortment, home decorations, and accessories for the kitchen and pets. The service segment will be complemented by a premium Tesco supermarket concept.
Multiplex cinema with a new concept
The current nine-screen multiplex will be renovated this year and enlarged with an additional eight screens. Cinema City will soon open a completely new concept for Bratislava at Eurovea. A 2,400-capacity multiplex and 17 screens with the latest technologies and VIP halls with maximum comfort, above-standard services, and Dolby Atmos sound technology. The multiplex will be in the shopping center’s new part on the 1st floor, near the new gastro area.
The biggest gourmet destination
The whole food court will also be moved to the shopping center’s new part, thereby doubling the area to 3,700 sq m and creating 1,156 seats. It will also include a modern Food Hall designed by the Portuguese REIFY studio – the international retail expert behind the center’s overall expansion concept. A large open space in a semi-industrial style will bring visitors a diverse and colorful mix of styles and gastronomy. The architecturally eye-catching Food Hall will have amphitheater seating with a view of the Danube. Katarína Paule explains the concept behind the largest gastronomic offer in Slovakia: “Eurovea will have tried and tested international fast-food chains such as Burger King and KFC, as well as local specialties and concepts that have succeeded on the Bratislava gastro scene: Mondieu, Urban House, and the completely new Como Cafe by Medusa and Bo Concept by Soho.” There are up to 60 restaurants to choose from, along with those along the promenade. “We are confident that next year when the second phase opens, Eurovea will become the largest retail and leisure zone in Slovakia, and will continue to be frequently visited and enjoyed by visitors,” she concludes.
