{
  "id": 15618727,
  "title": "Velmart hypermarket preparing to reopen at Rivne's Ek vator shopping center",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/velmart-hypermarket-preparing-to-reopen-at-rivnes-ek-vator-shopping",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T15:37:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Interfax-Ukraine",
    "slug": "interfax-ukraine",
    "url": "https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/economic/1222695.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Velmart hypermarket is set to reopen at Rivne's Ek vator shopping center, after completing restoration work following a Russian attack on October 16. The retail chain stated that power supply to its equipment is now operational, with some checkout lanes and self-service checkouts ready for use. However, the exact reopening date hinges on the ongoing security situation in Rivne, as prolonged air-raid alerts could prolong the process. The staff will finalize preparations once the city allows store reopening. The Ek vator shopping center was forced to suspend operations on the same day due to debris from an enemy unmanned aerial vehicle causing a fire. Velmart is part of the Retail Group holding, which operates 34 stores in 18 Ukrainian cities. The company has developed 10 private-label brands and runs seven full-cycle production facilities for meat, fish, and other products. Foodcom LLC, the operator of Velmart, reported an 18.7% increase in net revenue to UAH 23.6 billion and a significant 3.2-fold rise in net profit to UAH 378.6 million in 2025. Retail Group JSC, the owner of Foodcom LLC, is led by Roman Lunin as the ultimate beneficial owner.",
  "summary": "Velmart hypermarket is completing restoration work at the Ek vator shopping center in Rivne, which was damaged in a Russian attack on October 16.",
  "key_points": [
    "Velmart hypermarket to reopen at Rivne's Ek vator shopping center",
    "Restoration completed after Russian attack on October 16",
    "Reopening depends on Rivne's security situation"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}