Most modern retail networks operating in Romania expanded further in 2021, with almost 400 new hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount or proximity stores being opened. Overall, foreign players earmarked around EUR1 billion for investments, in line with ZF estimates based on company data.
The money was spent on store openings and refurbishment of already existent stores, as well as on land purchases or construction of new warehouses.
Germany’s Kaufland in 2021 had an over EUR375 million investment budget for Romania, a record high for the 16 years of local presence. Discount retailer Penny bet around EUR100 million on Romania.
At the same time, German discounter Lidl, leader of Romanian retail by turnover, boasted the fastest expansion rate since entering the local market around a decade ago.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)