small businesses in what used to be the trash chute of the vhods of the blocks were a strategic move even before the fall of communism.

By putting small businesses in these spaces the vhod collects rent.
The rent helps pay for the upkeep of the common spaces.

Hair Salons and Cobblers are the most common.
Its a small space, but with a bit of ingenuity many of these tiny businesses have been around for 30 years.