Investment and Employment Plans in the Retail Sector Becoming Clear

Investment, employment, and sales plans for the upcoming period are beginning to take shape among brands operating in the non-food retail sector. According to the United Brands Association's August survey, a significant portion of brands are planning new store openings.

Store and Employment Plans

According to the August survey conducted by the United Brands Association among its 516 members, 47 percent of the brands plan to open new stores and increase their employment over the next 6 months.

According to the survey results, 32 percent of members aim to maintain their current number of stores and staff, while 21 percent want to reduce employment by closing down inefficient stores.

Executive Evaluations

UBA President Sinan Öncel stated that for the first time in the August survey, they measured members' store investment and employment plans regarding the upcoming 6-month period.

Öncel pointed out that one out of every three members is trying to maintain their current position, while one out of every five members is planning to downsize.

Monthly Activity in Sales

The survey results also revealed monthly activity in sales during August. Compared to July, unit sales increased for 58 percent of UBA members.

However, when compared to August 2025, it was observed that unit sales decreased for 57 percent of the members.

Costs and Discounted Sales

UBA President Sinan Öncel emphasized that operational costs—primarily rent, energy, and raw materials—have increased, while profitability continues to decline.

According to the survey, in non-food retail sectors such as apparel and footwear, sales are almost impossible to make without discounts, with 56 percent of brands generating at least 41 percent of their turnover from discounted sales.