Section 1: Introduction: Navigating the Roller Shutter Systems Market in Ukraine
1.1. Two Worlds of Roller Shutters: Comprehensive Distinction of Concepts
In the Ukrainian market, the term “roller shutters” encompasses two fundamentally different product categories, which often leads to confusion among consumers. Understanding this difference is the first and most important step toward making the right choice. Each category has its own purpose, materials, installation method, and price range.
The first, and more technically complex category, is security roller shutters, also known as rolling shutters. These are external structures installed on window or door openings. Their primary purpose is security, protection against break-ins, adverse weather conditions (wind, rain, hail) and solar radiation, as well as improving the building’s thermal and sound insulation. They are manufactured primarily from durable aluminum or steel profiles. Such systems are typically custom-made to specific opening dimensions and installed by professional installation teams. Companies specializing in this segment, such as Alutech, ALUSEL, and Alu-System, emphasize the strength, reliability, and durability of their products.
The second category is fabric roller blinds, more commonly called roller shades. These are interior sun protection systems designed for window decoration, controlling the level of illumination in a room, and ensuring privacy. They are made from various fabrics that can be light-filtering, completely opaque (blackout), or combined (day-night systems). The fabric roller blind market is divided into two segments: custom manufacturing, where the client receives a product that perfectly fits their window and interior, and mass market, where ready-made roller blinds of standard sizes are sold in large construction and household hypermarkets.
Thus, the choice between these two “worlds” of roller shutters depends on the primary task: if protection and security are needed – the choice falls on external rolling shutters; if the goal is decoration and light control, then interior roller shades should be considered.
1.2. Market Structure: Manufacturers, Dealers and Retailers
The roller shutter systems market in Ukraine has a clear hierarchical structure, understanding which will help consumers navigate who they are dealing with and what level of service and prices they can expect.
At the top of this structure are international manufacturers such as Alutech or GANT (Czech Republic). These companies develop and manufacture key system components: profiles, guides, control mechanisms, and automation. They do not sell their products directly to end consumers but work through an extensive network of official representatives and dealers.
The next level consists of Ukrainian manufacturers, for example, ALUSEL and Alu-System. These companies assemble finished products at their own production facilities, often using both imported and domestic components. Their advantage is greater flexibility in fulfilling individual orders and potentially more competitive pricing due to the absence of intermediaries.
The key link between manufacturers and consumers is official representatives and dealers. These are companies (for example, VSV-Group, “Longa Comfort”) that specialize in selling, measuring, installing, and servicing roller shutter systems from major brands. It is with them that the client most often contacts when ordering security roller shutters. The quality of services and the final result largely depend on the dealer’s professionalism.
Mass market retailers stand separately – large retail chains such as “Epicentr”, JYSK, “Nova Liniya”. They focus on selling ready-made fabric roller blinds of standard sizes for self-installation (DIY segment). Here the consumer gets an affordable price and instant product availability, but the responsibility for correct measurements and installation quality lies entirely with them.
Thus, the purchasing experience differs dramatically depending on where the client turns. Ordering security roller shutters is essentially implementing an engineering project with the involvement of a specialized contractor, while buying roller shades at a hypermarket is a regular retail transaction.






