The number of units depends on the average salary, purchasing power and the unemployment rate. Thus, Bucharest has 850 stores, matching the total number of the 16 least developed counties. Six counties, among Romania’s poorest, also lag in terms of retail investments, with less than 50 hypermarkets, supermarkets, discount, proximity or cash & carry stores each.
A similar number of counties (five and Bucharest) have attracted investments in over 200 modern food retail outlets each. Overall, ten foreign modern retail networks and LaDoiPasi franchise developed by German-held Metro group hold 5,250 units, with annual sales of EUR13-14 billion.
Given that most retailers are further betting on expansion, the landscape of Romania’s modern retail is changing by the day.
(English version by Catalina Apostoiu)