Saturday, 10 May 2025
Poznań-based real estate company Scallier continues to strengthen its presence in Romania with the opening of its seventh retail park under the Funshop Park brand. Located in the Arad district, the newly developed retail park spans approximately 10,000 square meters and is set to officially open on March 6, 2025.
The new facility has already attracted a lineup of well-known brands, including DM, Sinsay, Pepco, KIK, Tedi, and Agroland. A popular fitness chain, Stay Fit Gym, will also be part of the retail park, along with several restaurants, an outdoor food court, and a playground. Lidl, the anchor tenant, has been operating at the site since December 2024, catering to the growing demand for modern retail services in the area.
According to Wojciech Jurga, Managing Partner at Scallier, the company sees Romania as a key market for expansion, leveraging the country’s rapid economic growth and significant investment in retail infrastructure. “The Romanian retail market is currently among the most dynamic in Europe, with over 800,000 square meters of modern retail space under construction—twice as much as in Poland. The country is benefiting from substantial EU funding and experiencing rapid retail sales growth that far exceeds the EU average. This creates an ideal environment for the development of new retail projects,” Jurga stated.
Scallier has identified significant gaps in Romania’s retail landscape, particularly in suburban and regional locations where modern retail offerings remain limited. While Romania’s total retail stock is significantly lower than Poland’s—by nearly three times—consumer demand for accessible shopping destinations is rising. “By strategically focusing on underserved areas, we aim to expand our retail park network and solidify our market presence in Romania,” Jurga added.
The new Arad investment marks the latest milestone in Scallier’s Romanian expansion. The company has already delivered a total of approximately 60,000 square meters of gross leasable area (GLA) across six other Funshop Parks in Roșiorii de Vede, Focșani, Timișoara, Turda, Vaslui, and Moșnița. All Scallier retail parks meet the highest sustainability standards and have received BREEAM certification.
Arad, a city in western Romania with a population of approximately 150,000, was chosen as the latest location due to strong demand for modern retail space. The development aligns with local consumer preferences for convenient, community-based shopping experiences.
Currently, about 95% of the Arad retail park’s space has been leased, reflecting strong tenant interest and market potential. The center will feature a mix of international retail brands and Romanian businesses, offering a diverse range of shopping and service options tailored to the needs of the local community.
