"Achieving the 5-million-sqm mark is an important milestone in the maturation of Romania's retail market, even though there is still room for growth. At this level, we are talking about roughly 260 sqm per 1,000 inhabitants, compared with over 400 sqm in countries such as Poland or the Czech Republic," explains Simina Niculiță, Director at Colliers. "At the same time, Romanians already consume more than their neighbours in Central and Eastern Europe. Salaries in Bucharest have already surpassed those in Budapest and are approaching levels seen in Warsaw."

In 2025, the average Romanian spent nearly €800 on clothing and footwear, according to Oxford Economics - 25% more than a consumer in Poland and almost twice as much as one in Hungary. "It may seem surprising that Romanians spend more than other Europeans who often have higher incomes. But when we analyse consumer behaviour, we see cultural differences that influence this market. Romanians place importance on the image they project externally and are willing to pay to maintain it," adds Niculiță.

The market recorded around 190,000 sqm of newly delivered retail space in 2025. The largest project was the expansion of Mall Moldova in Iași, adding nearly 60,000 sqm. Other notable openings included the reopening of Agora Arad after almost a decade, as well as extensions to Iulius Mall Suceava and Coresi Shopping Resort Brașov.

The 5 million sqm of retail space remain concentrated in relatively few counties. Bucharest and surrounding areas account for almost 1.3 million sqm, while the next five counties - Timiș, Iași, Bihor, Argeș and Cluj - together contribute over 1.1 million sqm. Next year could bring around 250,000 sqm of new leasable retail space, with major projects including M Park Galați and an extension of Palas Mall Iași.