Regional capitals showed higher rental levels than Bucharest, with Prague at €235 per sqm monthly, Budapest at €160, Warsaw at €92, and Belgrade at €90. Lower rents were recorded in Sofia (€61), Bratislava (€45), Vilnius (€39), Riga and Tallinn (€35), and Skopje (€28).

London's New Bond Street claimed the top spot globally for the first time, with rents rising 22% to €1,707 per sqm monthly. This surpassed Milan's Via Montenapoleone (€1,667) and New York's Upper Fifth Avenue (€1,530). The report analysed headline rents across 141 locations worldwide, many linked to the luxury sector.

Globally, rents increased by an average of 4.2%, with 58% of markets experiencing growth. Europe showed steady 4% year-on-year growth, led by Budapest's Fashion Street with a 33% increase and London's retail districts recording double-digit gains. Asia Pacific growth slowed to 2.1%, while the Americas led with 7.9% growth.

Dana Radoveneanu, Head of Retail Agency at Cushman & Wakefield Echinox, said the retail sector is undergoing a transformation driven by sustained demand for physical experiences. "The luxury retail market in Romania is still emerging within Europe, but continued investment from international brands and retail developers is enhancing the appeal of iconic streets. Calea Victoriei continues to attract luxury retailers, and establishing a presence on this street in the heart of Bucharest is a strategic move that provides a competitive advantage."