Contakt plans CEE expansion

Business Forum
Romanian mobile accessories retailer Contakt has announced plans to expand its national network and venture into CEE markets in a bid to grow the business.

The company projects revenues of RON 137.9 million (€27.7 million) in 2025, up 6% year-on-year.

Contakt's strategic expansion includes opening 25 new stores across Romania and entering markets such as Poland, the Czech Republic, Serbia, and Hungary. 

The retailer is focusing on physical retail, which accounts for over 90% of its revenue, while also diversifying its offerings with proprietary brands and in-house services. These services include phone repairs, device detailing, and subscription plans for accessories, aimed at enhancing customer retention and creating recurring revenue streams.

"Growth is being fueled by network expansion, a more diverse product mix, and a sharper focus on premium offerings. As consumer behaviour shifts toward service, personalization, and convenience over standalone products, Contakt is responding by launching its brands and accelerating its expansion in Romania and neighbouring markets,” said Marcel Ioftor, Contakt Business Owner. 

Last year, Contakt saw a flat number of transactions, but the average value per purchase rose by more than 11%, indicating a shift toward higher-end products.

The company operates more than 230 stores nationwide.

RECOMMENDED
NEPI Rockcastle names COO Marek Noetzel as new CEO
Real estate

NEPI Rockcastle names COO Marek Noetzel as new CEO

Nepi Rockcastle has appointed Marek Noetzel as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 April 2026. Noetzel, who has served as the company's COO since June 2022, will succeed current CEO Rüdiger Dany.

Romanias retail parks target smaller cities for growth
Real estate

Romania's retail parks target smaller cities for growth

Romania is positioning itself as a key retail market in Central and Eastern Europe, with developers shifting focus from large cities to smaller communities, according to a Colliers report. While large cities previously concentrated three quarters of modern retail stock, rising incomes and demand for modern formats are making communities of around 50,000 inhabitants attractive for new investment, with retail parks driving development.

Nepi Rockcastle grows H1 2025 net operating income by 12.1%
Real estate

Nepi Rockcastle grows H1 2025 net operating income by 12.1%

Nepi Rockcastle, Europe's third-largest listed retail real estate company by portfolio value, reported a 12.1% year-on-year increase in net operating income (NOI) in the first half of 2025, reaching €307 million. The company's investment property portfolio exceeded €8 billion for the first time in its history, supported by acquisitions completed in 2024 and active asset management. Vacancy remained low at 1.6%.

How is Goldbach Group banking on retail growth in smaller cities
Real estate

How is Goldbach Group banking on retail growth in smaller cities

Elena Oancea, Co-CEO of Goldbach Group, talked to Property Forum about the group's ongoing developments in the retail parks niche, the focus on sustainability in its construction and interior design divisions and its pipeline of photovoltaic projects in Romania.

RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Electro-Alfa plans IPO on BVB
Finance

Electro-Alfa plans IPO on BVB

Electro-Alfa International, a Romanian electrical equipment manufacturer, has announced plans for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB).

Industry

Life sciences M&A surges 81% as big pharma hunts for growth, says EY

Global life sciences M&A activity increased by 81% in 2025 to $240 billion, driven by Big Pharma's large-scale deals, despite fewer overall transactions. The surge reflects companies prioritising innovations ready for launch as they face widening growth gaps.

Finance

Romania launches first 2026 Fidelis bond IPO on stock exchange

Romania's Ministry of Finance will conduct its first public offering of Fidelis government bonds for 2026 between January 16 and 23 on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. This marks the 32nd offering since the Fidelis program resumed in July 2020.

READ MORE
Business Forum  |  16 January, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Business Forum  |  16 January, 2026 at 4:13 PM