As prices rose 5% according to Eurostat data, Romanian households bought 9% more in volume and chose lower-priced items. The health care crisis and pandemic restrictions have changed consumer behavior and the frequency of store visits decreased 6%, while the average amount paid per shopping session increased nearly 20%.
Sales of discount chains grew 37% in value in the first half, overtaking supermarkets and becoming the second largest player in modern retail. In the first half of 2019, the growth rate of discount chains was two times lower and they covered just 16% of total FMCG spending.
Hypermarkets and traditional grocery stores were the most affected by less frequent in-store visits, while small convenience stores were the most dynamic in attracting new shoppers.
Around 9.5% of Romanian households bought fast moving consumer goods at least once online during the first half of the year, 50% more than in the same period in 2019. However, online FMCG sales account for less than 1% of the total.