BIG Shopping Centers plans to invest approximately €140 million in Montenegro over three years, expanding its existing retail complex in Podgorica and developing a new retail park in Nikšić. The programme would increase the group’s cumulative investment in the country to around €300 million, following approximately €160 million in previous investments. Construction of the planned Nikšić retail park could begin in March 2027, with the opening targeted for spring 2028. The project remains subject to environmental approval and the issuance of construction permits.
Nikšić Retail Park Targets 2028 Opening
The proposed development would extend modern organised retail infrastructure into Nikšić, Montenegro’s second-largest city. The project could generate construction activity and subsequently create employment opportunities in retail, logistics, maintenance and hospitality. The development remains dependent on the completion of the permitting process, while its commercial performance will be influenced by consumer purchasing power, tenant demand and construction costs. Nikšić remains less developed in modern retail formats than Podgorica and Montenegro’s coastal areas, providing the setting for the planned shopping park.
Podgorica Complex Set for Further Expansion
BIG Shopping Centers is also preparing to expand its BIG Fashion complex in Podgorica, where additional international retailers could enter the Montenegrin market. Potential arrivals include Massimo Dutti, Zara Home and brands belonging to Poland’s LPP group. The planned expansion would reinforce Podgorica’s position as the country’s principal organised retail market while increasing the availability of international retail brands.
Additional Retail and Hotel Opportunities
Beyond the current investment programme, BIG is examining further retail opportunities along Montenegro’s coast and potential investments in hotels. These projects could provide a basis for additional expansion beyond the planned €140 million commitment.
The group’s programme represents a significant commercial-property investment in a market where foreign capital inflows have been concentrated largely in residential property and tourism-related real estate. Investment in shopping centres and retail parks would direct additional capital towards operating commercial assets. Montenegro’s organised retail sector has been expanding as larger shopping centres and retail parks increasingly attract international tenants, alongside a gradual shift away from fragmented local retail formats.
BIG’s expansion also reflects its assessment of Montenegro’s consumer market, supported by tourism, rising wages and foreign visitor spending. The investment comes amid inflationary pressures and uncertainty surrounding proposed labour-cost reforms. If implemented in full, the programme would bring BIG Shopping Centers’ total investment in Montenegro to approximately €300 million, increasing the share of foreign investment directed towards commercial operations and infrastructure rather than property transactions alone.
