“Despite the difficult economic conditions in Romania, the low purchasing power and the 5% VAT hike, to 24%, Billa Romania continued to invest in Romania last year, where it opened 12 stores,” says Marco Sandner, Rewe Germany representative.
He added the chain would pursue expansion plans, without providing details on the number of stores the company is planning to open. The Billa chain currently includes 55 stores, and is the second largest after Mega Image (78 stores).
“We are convinced Romania is a country with potential, that is why we will continue to expand here,” Sandner added.
For the local retail sector, 2010 was the year of supermarkets, with the five chains – Mega Image, Billa, Carrefour Market, Interex and GMarket – opening 45 stores. The supermarket segment is worth EUR800 to 900 million.