2025 Developments
Romania’s retail posted a notable current value increase of 7% in 2025, achieving RON316.1 billion in sales and outpacing most regional counterparts thanks to record expansion in modern retail space and strong international investment. Despite persistent macroeconomic headwinds such as a VAT rate hike, elevated inflation at 7%, and subdued GDP growth of 1%, retail remains a highly attractive environment due to its central role in household expenditure, which stood at 61% of GDPin 2025. The landscape is shaped by intensifying consolidation among leading food retailers, rapid adoption of digital commerce, and a clear polarisation between value-driven and premium experience channels. Brands seeking success must embrace digital transformation, prioritise efficiency through automation and artificial intelligence, and build omnichannel capabilities that align with evolving consumer expectations for both price and experience, while navigating mounting fiscal pressures and the ongoing presence of informal competition.
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Overview:
Understand the latest market trends and future growth opportunities for the Retail industry in Romania with research from Euromonitor International's team of in-country analysts – experts by industry and geographic specialisation.
Key trends are clearly and succinctly summarised alongside the most current research data available. Understand and assess competitive threats and plan corporate strategy with our qualitative analysis, insight and confident growth projections.
Data and analysis in this report provides further detailed coverage dedicated to the following key categories, where applicable:
- Convenience Stores
- Discounters
- Hypermarkets
- Supermarkets
- Traditional Grocery Retailers
- Apparel and Footwear Specialist Retailers
- Electronics and Appliance Specialist Retailers
- Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers
- Home and Garden Specialist Retailers
- Department Stores
- Variety Stores
- Warehouse Clubs
- Direct Selling
- Homeshopping
- Vending
If you're in the Retail industry in Romania, our research will help you to make informed, intelligent decisions; to recognise and profit from opportunity, or to offer resilience amidst market uncertainty.
The Retail in Romania report includes:
- Analysis of key retail trends
- Detailed segmentation of offline and online retail sales
- Historic channel sizes (retail value sales, outlet counts, and selling space)
- Company and brand market shares (retail value sales and outlet counts)
- Five year forecasts of market trends and market growth
- Robust and transparent research methodology, conducted in-country
This report answers:
- What is the market size of Retail in Romania?
- Which are the leading retailers in Retail in Romania?
- How are products distributed in Retail in Romania?
- How is the rise of e-commerce and the expansion of modern grocery retail impacting traditional retail?
- How significant are discounters and private label in Romania?
- To what extent are sales shifting towards digital channels?
- What is the long-term outlook for bricks-and-mortar?
- How is macroeconomic and political uncertainty affecting the retail industry?
- What types of retailers are seeing the fastest growth in digital sales?
- What is the future of retail?
Retail in Romania
2025 Developments
Key Data Insights
Robust Growth Despite Economic Headwinds
A Phase of Hyper-Concentration
Temu and Shein Intensify Competition as Trendyol Empowers Romanian Smes with Fast Fulfilment
Discounters Accelerates Value-Driven Growth as Price Caution Persists
Retailers Adopt Artificial Intelligence and Automation to Cut Costs
Lidl and Kaufland Expand Networks and Drive Concentration through Pricing and Digitalisation
Mergers and New Digital Launches Reshape Competition and Opportunity
Informal Retail
Opening Hours for Physical Retail
Seasonality
Valentine’s Day
Mother’s Day
Easter
Summer sales
Back to School
Black Friday
Winter sales
Christmas
Convenience Retailers in Romania
Key Data Insights
Convenience Retailers Summary
Ahold Delhaize Expands Reach through Major Acquisition
Profi and Mega Image Join Forces to Dominate Proximity Shopping
Metro’S La Doi Pasi Extra Leverages Technology to Elevate Urban Shopping
Metro’S Franchise Model Drives Small Grocers to Embrace Proximity
Petrom and Auchan Partnership Fuels Forecourt Retailer Expansion
Ahold Delhaize Accelerates Consolidation with Profi Acquisition, Boosting National Coverage
Supermarkets in Romania
Key Data Insights
Supermarkets Summary
Profi and Mega Image Adapt Store Formats to Drive Growth Amid Inflation
Ahold Delhaize Leverages Dual-Brand Strategy for Broader Reach and Innovation
Mega Image Expands Private Label Portfolio to Meet Demand for Affordable Quality
Ahold Delhaize Acquires Profi to Expand Reach and Drive Consolidation
Profi’S New Format and Digitalisation Set Pace for Growth and Innovation
Independent Supermarkets Maintain Presence but Face Rising Pressure From Chains
Ahold Delhaize Unites Profi and Mega Image to Secure Stable Leadership
Hypermarkets in Romania
Key Data Insights
Hypermarkets Summary
Carrefour Extends E-Commerce Reach through Delivery Partnerships
Kaufland and Carrefour Adapt Formats to Meet Evolving Shopper Habits
Auchan and Kaufland Invest in Local Sourcing to Retain Loyalty
Consolidation and Smaller Footprints Reshape Future Store Formats
Kaufland Expands Footprint as Carrefour Pivots to Small Formats
Schwarz Group Acquisition of La Cocos Signals Further Shake-Up
Discounters in Romania
Key Data Insights
Discounters Summary
Auchan Repositions Hypermarkets as Atac to Capture Value-Focused Shoppers
Penny’S Hanul Boieresc Builds Loyalty with Romanian-Sourced Private Label
International Chains Expand Store Networks to Meet Rising Demand
Penny and Auchan Drive Automation to Boost Convenience and Loyalty
Lidl Accelerates Store Openings While Penny Targets Network Expansion
Small Local Grocers in Romania
Key Data Insights
Small Local Grocers Summary
Convenience Store Players Expands= Presence and Reduce Consumer Reliance on Traditional Shops
Convenience Chains Drive Independent Stores to Franchise Adoption
Speciality Food Stores Shift Focus to Local Chain Development
A Highly Fragmented Channel
General Merchandise Stores in Romania
Key Data Insights
General Merchandise Stores Summary
Action Accelerates Expansion and Reshapes Value Proposition
Action Works to Appeal to Local Consumers
International Entrants Reshape Competitive Landscape and Consumer Expectations
Action Sustains Growth as Variety Stores Capture Value-Driven Demand
Shopping Malls Expand While Department Stores Remains Absent
High Inflation and Action’S Pricing Strategy Drive Future Expansion
Miniso Extends Dominance as Action Drives New Growth
Apparel and Footwear Specialists in Romania
Key Data Insights
Apparel and Footwear Specialists Summary
Primark Drives Affordable Fashion Amid Inflation and Changing Consumer Priorities
International Brands Accelerate Expansion as Local Players Face Mounting Pressure
Fashion Days Leverages Omnichannel Integration to Lead Digital Transformation
Shopping Mall Expansion Fuels Outlet Growth Despite Persistent Inflation
Omnichannel Brands Transform Stores into Digital Showrooms for E-Commerce
Social Commerce and Payment Innovation Reshape Competitive Dynamics
Pepco and Inditex Expand Share as Kik Surges with Value-Driven Growth
Appliances and Electronics Specialists in Romania
Key Data Insights
Appliances and Electronics Specialists Summary
Altex Expands through Acquisition as Premium Focus Reshapes Demand
Flanco Repositions as Smart Discounter to Capture Price-Savvy Shoppers
Altex and Flanco Leverage E-Commerce to Drive Replacement Demand
Smart Appliances and Digital Engagement Sustain Premium Sales Growth
Altex Expands Omnichannel Network to Reinforce Sales Lead
Media Galaxy Expands with Discounts as Istyle Focuses on Stability
Home Products Specialists in Romania
Key Data Insights
Home Products Specialists Summary
Major Players' Expansion and Acquisition Strategies Reshape Retail Landscape
Dedeman Leverages Scale to Dominate Sales of Home Improvement and Gardening Stores
Digital Transformation with Ai Raises Standards for Personalised Retail Experiences
Pet Shops and Superstores Expands as Pet Ownership Rises
E-Commerce and Omnichannel Drive Convenience and Resilience
Dedeman Expands Digital Reach as Jysk Accelerates Growth
Health and Beauty Specialists in Romania
Key Data Insights
Health and Beauty Specialists Summary
Dr Max Drives Discount Pharmacy Expansion to Outpace Rivals
Dr Max Overtakes Catena as Low-Cost Leader in Terms of Store Numbers
Catena and Dm Expand Store Networks to Capture Wellness Demand
Pharmacy Chains Expand Networks and Strengthen Brand Loyalty through Omnichannel Investment
Dm Leverages Wellness and Digital Integration to Accelerate Health and Personal Care Growth
Brand Advertising and Digital Sales Shape Competition and Consumer Experience
Catena and Dm Strengthen Positions as Digitalisation and Brand Investments Drive Share Shifts
Vending in Romania
Key Data Insights
Vending Summary
Consumers Shift to Coffee Vending as Vat Rise Hits Cafés
Coffee Drinkers Embrace Vending for Affordable On-The-Go Refreshment
Operators Invest in Modern Technology as Cash Payments Decline
Major Players Expand in Premium Sites as Independents Lose Ground
Direct Selling in Romania
Key Data Insights
Direct Selling Summary
Growing Pressure to Engage in Digital Transformation
Beauty and Personal Care Brands Maintain Value Leadership through Digital Adaptation
Digital-First Sales Models Reshape Beauty Brand-Consumer Relationships
Avon, Oriflame and Farmasi Accelerate Digital Investments to Sustain Sales
Health and Beauty Direct Selling Consolidates Lead as Fashion Surges
Mobile-First Shopping Habits Reshape Competition and Digital Strategies
Avon Leverages Digitalisation to Defend Leadership as Share Narrows
Retail E-Commerce in Romania
Key Data Insights
Retail E-Commerce Summary
Growth Amid Macroeconomic Challenges
Marketplace E-Commerce Strengthens Platform Dominance and Raises Barriers for Independents
Altex Integrates Physical and Digital Channels to Deliver Seamless Shopping Experiences
Mobile App Innovation Drives New Shopping Habits and Payment Integration
Marketplace Platforms Expand Access for Start-Ups and Small Retailers
Omnichannel Strategies and Delivery Efficiency Reshape Competition
Emag Accelerates Investment While Trendyol and Temu Disrupt the Competitive Order
Country Reports Disclaimer
The following categories and subcategories are included:
Retail
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- Convenience Stores
- Forecourt Retailers
- Supermarkets
- Hypermarkets
- Discounters
- Warehouse Clubs
- Food/Drink/Tobacco Specialists
- Small Local Grocers
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- Department Stores
- Variety Stores
- Apparel and Footwear Specialists
- Appliances and Electronics Specialists
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- Home Improvement and Gardening Stores
- Homewares and Home Furnishing Stores
- Pet Shops and Superstores
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- Beauty Specialists
- Pharmacies
- Optical Goods Stores
- Health and Personal Care Stores
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- Bags and Luggage Specialists
- Jewellery and Watch Specialists
- Sports Goods Stores
- Traditional Toys and Games Stores
- Other Non-Grocery Retailers
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- Fashion Vending
- Health and Beauty Vending
- Appliances and Electronics Vending
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- Alcoholic Drinks Vending
- Hot Drinks Vending
- Soft Drinks Vending
- Tobacco Products Vending
- Foods Vending
- Home Products Vending
- Other Products Vending
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- Apparel and Footwear Direct Selling
- Personal Accessories Direct Selling
- Eyewear Direct Selling
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- Beauty and Personal Care Direct Selling
- Consumer Health Direct Selling
- Tissue and Hygiene Direct Selling
- Appliances and Electronics Direct Selling
- Drinks and Tobacco Direct Selling
- Foods Direct Selling
- Home Products Direct Selling
- Other Products Direct Selling
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- Apparel and Footwear E-Commerce
- Personal Accessories E-Commerce
- Eyewear E-Commerce
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- Beauty and Personal Care E-Commerce
- Consumer Health E-Commerce
- Tissue and Hygiene E-Commerce
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- Consumer Appliances E-Commerce
- Consumer Electronics E-Commerce
- Toys and Games E-Commerce
- Drinks and Tobacco E-Commerce
- Foods E-Commerce
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- Home Care E-Commerce
- Home and Garden E-Commerce
- Pet Care E-Commerce
- Other Products E-Commerce
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- First-Party (1P) Marketplace E-Commerce
- Third-Party (3P) Marketplace E-Commerce
- Grocery E-Commerce
- General Merchandiser E-Commerce
- Apparel and Footwear Specialist E-Commerce
- Appliances and Electronics Specialist E-Commerce
- Home Products Specialist E-Commerce
- Health and Beauty Specialist E-Commerce
- Leisure and Personal Goods Specialist E-Commerce
- Other E-Commerce Retailers
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Retail
Retail is the sale of new and used goods to consumers from a business for personal or household consumption from retail outlets, kiosks, market stalls, vending, direct selling and e-commerce. Retail is the aggregation of Retail Offline and Retail E-Commerce. Excludes specialist retailers of motor vehicles, motorcycles, vehicle parts. Also excludes fuel sales, foodservice sales, rental transactions, wholesale sales (e.g. Cash and Carry), and sales through cannabis dispensaries in markets where cannabis is sold legally. Sales value excluding or including VAT/Sales Tax. Retail also excludes the informal retail sector. Informal retailing is retail trade which is not declared to the tax authorities. Informal retailing encompasses (a) sales generated by unregistered and unlicensed retailers, i.e. retailers operating illegally, and (b) any proportion of sales generated by a registered and licensed retailer that is not declared to the tax authorities. Unregistered and unlicensed retailers operate predominantly (although not exclusively) as street hawkers or operate open market stalls, as these channels are harder for the authorities to monitor than permanent outlets. Activities in the illegal market, which is usually understood to refer to trade in illegal, counterfeit or stolen merchandise, are included within our definition of informal retailing. Activities in the “grey market”, which is usually understood to refer to trade in legal merchandise that is sold through unauthorized channels – for example cigarettes bought legally in another country, legally imported, but sold at lower prices than in authorized channels – will be included as informal retailing if no tax is paid on sale by the retailer. However if the retailer pays tax – for example on cigarettes bought legally in another country but sold at a lower price than standard – the sale is included within formal retail.
See all of our definitionsWhy buy this report?
- Gain competitive intelligence about market leaders
- Track key industry trends, opportunities and threats
- Inform your marketing, brand, strategy and market development, sales and supply functions
This report originates from Passport, our Retail research and analysis database.
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