“In 2018 compared with 2017, the network of retail companies shrank by 458 stores. A decline in the number of stores below 120 square meters stands out, as there were 779 fewer stores than in the previous year, a category that accounts for 92.4% of the total, as well as growth of 5 stores in the 10,000 square meters and over category,” National Statistics Institute officials say.
Grocery stores account for most of the retail stores, about 75,000 to 80,000, either modern or traditional. There are also some 8,000 pharmacies, 2,500 to 3,000 gas stations and others. New stores, usually modern retail stores, open in Romania every year, mainly under foreign brands. There are also local businesses developed by local entrepreneurs, which are expanding. New stores constantly close, though. Most of them are grocery stores, usually small traditional retailers unable to cope with competition from foreign companies.
There are few segments in Romanian retail dominated by local businesses.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)