Unearthing Romania's Retail Landscape: A Post-Q1 2025 Analysis
Peeking into Retail Sales Trends
Retail sales in Romania increment by 0.4% annually in April, perpetuating a prolonged phase of immobility.
The retail sales landscape in Romania experienced a fascinating evolution following Q1 2025. A robust surge in retail sales coincided with an annual growth rate of 3.5% during this period, largely due to a 7.8% expansion in the non-food segment[1][2].
In April 2025, the unadjusted retail sales volume index rose by a modest 0.4% year-over-year (YoY), whereas the seasonally and workday-adjusted figures revealed a more steady growth of 3.1%[3]. The non-food segment continued to dominate, with a staggering growth of 2.0% YoY, contrasting the downward trajectory observed in the food sales (-2.0% YoY).
Economic Horizons for Romania
The Moody's forecast sheds optimistic light on Romania's retail sector, predicting a continuous 3% average yearly growth until 2030, surpassing the Eurozone's projected 1% average growth[1][2]. This exuberant growth is fueled by burgeoning real estate investments, with transactions surpassing €110 million in Q1 2025, making considerable inroads beyond Bucharest's city limits[1][2].
Developers are leveraging this dynamic market through ambitious expansion plans, with intentions to add over 600,000 sqm of leasable area to the retail landscape by 2030[1][2].
Market Developments in Romania's Retail Domain
The retail sector witnessed an explosion of approximately 150,000 sqm of new retail spaces in the months of April and May 2025, marking an impressive 80% of the projected 2024 supply[1][2]. The retail market's evolution includes a shift towards mixed-use and entertainment projects, designed to align with the dynamic demands of today's consumers[1][2].
Prime shopping center and high street rents within Romania have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with prices in Bucharest ranging from €90 to €60 per sqm and €50-65 per sqm in other key urban areas during Q1 2025[1][2].
In conclusion, Romania's retail sector is on an inexorable journey towards growth, fueled by consumer demand and ongoing investment in new retail spaces. The road ahead remains brimming with prospects for expansion and retail sales growth, outshining European averages.
- The robust growth in the retail sales landscape of Romania, particularly in the non-food segment, offers significant opportunities for investors in the finance sector.
- The continuous 3% average yearly growth predicted for Romania's retail sector by Moody's, coupled with burgeoning real estate investments, highlights attractive prospects for business expansion in the country.
