Why this matters
In an interview with Rzeczpospolita, the CEO of the Polish group LPP, Marek Piechocki, confirmed that the Sinsay brand is preparing its own marketplace, with the first products expected to appear within 6–12 months. This step is aimed less at individual competitors and more at the fast-market-capture model offered by platforms like Shein and Temu.
What was announced
LPP is investing about PLN 1 billion in logistics and is expanding distribution capacity, including in Central Asia. Sinsay is intended to become an omnichannel platform: the combination of a network of physical stores (more than 2,000 under the Sinsay brand by the end of 2025) and a mobile app is meant to become a key competitive advantage.
"We decided to launch it because Sinsay has many customers, and the brand's in-store assortment is limited."
— Marek Piechocki, CEO of LPP (interview with Rzeczpospolita)
How it will work
The marketplace will focus on categories of clothing, footwear and home goods, but with a clearly limited assortment in the spirit of Sinsay — a "family store" with curated offers. LPP plans to attract local manufacturers and offer partners logistics services on favorable terms. According to the company, the Sinsay online store already has about 20 million visitors per week, providing a basis for a rapid marketplace launch.
Implications for Ukraine
Sinsay is already a leader in fashion retail in Ukraine: the network expanded from 33 stores to about 400 over four years of war. The launch of the marketplace could have several practical consequences for the Ukrainian market:
- Access to customers: Ukrainian manufacturers of clothing and home goods would gain a sales channel through a network already well known in the country.
- Logistics infrastructure: LPP's investments in logistics could create additional jobs and opportunities for partnership with local operators.
- Competition with Chinese platforms: Sinsay's omnichannel model — stores plus marketplace — provides advantages in returns speed, service and consumer trust.
"Chinese platforms have captured market share, but their appeal is gradually fading."
— Marek Piechocki, CEO of LPP
Context and assessment
This decision should be read through the lens of two trends: first, retail during the war demonstrates viability and rapid adaptation (Sinsay is 12 times larger in Ukraine after four years); second, Western and regional players will seek ways to reclaim the share taken by aggressive marketplaces from China. For Ukraine, this is a chance not just to consume a cheap assortment, but to integrate local production into a broader supply chain.
Conclusion
The launch of the Sinsay marketplace is not an instant revolution: it is a strategic move by a large retailer with investments in logistics and omnichannel capabilities. But for Ukraine, this project could mean increased visibility for local brands and another channel to compete with global players. The open question remains: can LPP make the platform profitable while also being useful for local business?
