DOBOJ CITY PARK TO EMPLOY 400 PEOPLE NEXT MONTH
One of the largest retail parks in Republika Srpska and Bosnia and Herzegovina will open its doors in Doboj at the end of next month. In addition to featuring well-known fashion brands, which will attract shopping enthusiasts, this shopping center is expected to boost tourism significantly and help reduce unemployment, as recruitment has already begun.
In this city, located at the junction of three rivers and known for its growing offerings to residents, visitors, and travelers alike, anticipation is high for the opening of the “Doboj City Park.” The shopping center has been constructed on the site of the former "Trudbenik" factory, which produced compressors and pneumatic tools.
The investor, “City Mall,” a company based in Bijeljina, has announced that the construction and outfitting of the 50,000 square-meter complex are nearly complete. The grand opening is scheduled for November 28.
“Under the roof of ‘Doboj City Park,’ 46 internationally recognized fashion brands will open their stores. Around 400 jobs will be created once the center opens, with each tenant in the complex independently managing recruitment,” said Snježana Krstić, marketing manager of “City Mall,” in an interview with "Glas."
Following the opening of sales chains in Bijeljina, Brčko, Zvornik, and Doboj, the company has chosen Istočno Sarajevo for its next business expansion, where they will build another shopping center.
Branislav Stanojević, head of the Employment Bureau in Doboj, stated for "Glas" that the Bureau is actively facilitating the hiring process for various positions at "Doboj City Park" in response to requests from employers.
“We regularly monitor the job listings of companies that will operate within the shopping center and guide job seekers to apply. Currently, we have 2,287 people registered, including 188 with qualifications in retail and 49 retail technicians. These are typically the roles filled in retail establishments, though other unemployed individuals can also find suitable opportunities,” said Stanojević. He added that the opening of the shopping center would significantly reduce unemployment.
Positive outcomes are also anticipated by Vojislav Rađa, acting director of the Doboj Tourist Organization. He expects increased visitor numbers, especially shoppers and tourists, and plans to develop strategies for the upcoming year accordingly.
“I expect that the new shopping center, which will likely become a magnet for buyers thanks to its extensive offerings, will enhance the retail landscape in this part of Republika Srpska, where high-quality branded goods have been scarce. Since Doboj is located near the entity border, I believe many residents from the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina will also frequently visit Doboj,” Rađa added.
Snežana Šešlija, president of the Doboj citizens’ association “ToPeeR,” which advocates for consumer rights, praised the fact that many citizens would now have the chance to secure employment.
“However, given the current economic crisis, one must question the true benefit of opening retail stores when we lack production facilities. It's great that international brands will be available to us, but the question remains: how many of us can afford them?” said Šešlija.
