Wednesday, 13 May 2026
Cushman & Wakefield Echinox reports that Romania’s retail market experienced a subdued first quarter in 2026 in terms of new deliveries, although developers continue to advance a substantial pipeline of shopping centre and retail park projects scheduled for completion over the next two years.
According to the firm’s Romanian Retail Marketbeat Q1 2026 report, inflationary pressures and weaker consumer spending affected retail activity during the opening months of the year. Romania recorded inflation of 9.9 percent at the start of 2026, the highest level in the European Union, contributing to a 5.8 percent decline in retail sales in real terms. Non-food sales fell by 9.2 percent, while food, beverage and tobacco consumption decreased by 2.7 percent.
Despite the weaker consumption environment, analysts expect market conditions to improve during the second half of the year as the impact of fiscal measures begins to stabilise and inflation moderates toward an estimated 5 percent by year-end.
Development activity remained limited in Q1, with M Park Titan the only significant retail completion during the quarter. The 8,500 sqm scheme, developed by M Core, represented the largest retail project delivered in Bucharest in the past four years.
At the same time, the longer-term development pipeline remains active, with more than 320,000 sqm of retail space currently under construction across Romania. Approximately 150,000 sqm is expected to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Among the largest projects currently underway or in advanced planning stages are Rivus Cluj, a 142,000 sqm mixed-use retail project developed by IULIUS Group and Atterbury Europe, as well as Galati Retail Park developed by NEPI Rockcastle.
Other notable schemes include the extension of Promenada Mall, the expansion of Palas Iași, M Park Galati, Family Market Tomești, Arena Mall and One Gallery.
Romania continues to offer one of the lowest modern retail densities in Central and Eastern Europe, with approximately 253 sqm of retail space per 1,000 inhabitants, suggesting further room for expansion compared with regional peers.
Dana Radoveneanu said developers remain committed to expanding retail schemes despite ongoing inflationary pressures and softer consumption levels. She added that the current pipeline includes several extensions of existing shopping centres that have already demonstrated strong operational performance in cities including Bucharest, Iași and Bacău.
The report also noted continued growth in Bucharest’s high street segment, with prime rents on Calea Victoriei reaching €90 per sqm per month, reflecting increased retailer demand and the anticipated arrival of additional luxury brands. Prime shopping centre rents in Bucharest and major regional cities remained broadly stable, typically ranging between €50 and €90 per sqm per month for ground-floor units sized between 100 sqm and 200 sqm.
