Romania’s modern retail market reached a major milestone in 2025, surpassing 5 million square meters of leasable commercial space, according to the latest Colliers analysis. The expansion reflects both strong consumer demand and consistent investment from developers nationwide.
Despite this growth, Romania remains below the regional average in retail space per capita. “Reaching the 5 million square meter threshold is an important step in the maturation of Romania’s retail market, although there is still room for further growth. At this level, Romania has around 260 square meters per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to over 400 square meters in countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic,” said Simina Niculiță, Director and Partner, Retail Agency at Colliers.
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She also highlighted that consumption remains strong despite the lower stock. “Romanians already spend more than their neighbors in Central and Eastern Europe, and in many cases even more in nominal terms. Salaries in Bucharest have already surpassed those in Budapest and are approaching Warsaw levels.”
Major retail deliveries in 2025
In 2025 alone, approximately 190,000 square meters of modern retail space entered the Romanian market. The largest project was the expansion of Mall Moldova in Iași, adding nearly 60,000 square meters. Other notable developments include the reopening of Agora Arad, as well as the extensions of Iulius Mall Suceava and Coresi Shopping Resort Brașov.
More than 150,000 square meters of renovated older shopping centers were also added to the modern stock after upgrades and the entry of international brands.
Geographic concentration
Bucharest and its surrounding areas account for about 1.3 million square meters of modern retail space. The counties of Timiș, Iași, Bihor, Argeș and Cluj together exceed 1.1 million square meters, meaning nearly half of the national stock is concentrated in these six areas.
Outlook for 2026
Colliers estimates that around 250,000 square meters of new retail space will be delivered in 2026. Key projects include M Park Galați (30,000 sqm) and the 25,000 sqm expansion of Palas Mall Iași.
Photo: CECCAR Business Magazine
