Number of retail chains in Romania 2020, by sector

As of 2020, the total number of retail chains in Romania amounted to 167. Fashion and clothing was the leading sector, with 40 chains out of the total of 167, followed by personal care, with 21 retail chains. Footwear and leather ranked in third place, standing at 18 chains. By 2022, the retails sales are expected to register a growth of three percent.

FMCG market

In 2019, the most important food retail chains in Romania were Kaufland and Carrefour, both with a turnover worth more than 10 billion Romanian lei. Kaufland’s business evolution has been constantly increasing in Romania. As a result, by 2019, the supermarket’s sales were worth double the amount registered in 2011. Moreover, an estimation made by Ziarul Financiar showed that the retail chain in Romania has more than three thousand stores, such as supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount or cash and carry. Out of the total number, over 700 retail stores were in Bucharest.

Shopping in Bucharest

According to a study realized by Cushman & Wakefield, Bucharest's Calea Victoriei is considered to be one of the most expensive shopping streets in the world. However, as of 2019, the most expensive prime retail street location in Bucharest was Baneasa Shopping City, with a rental rate worth 75 euros per square meter per month. Unlike Calea Victoriei, Baneasa Shopping City does not have solely high retailers. In other words, this makes the shopping center accessible and affordable not only for the wealthier population but also for the average consumer.