H&M Opens First Stores in Romania

Anticipation surrounds the openings of the Swedish fasion chain H&M's first two shops in Romania. These are to open in early 2011 in the AFI Palace Cotroceni shopping centre and in Baneasa Shopping City in Bucharest.

Zara, the Swedish chain's strongerst competitor, has already been present in Romania for several years and with a total of 9 shops was able to record the highest turnover in 2009. The second strongest fashion chain on the Romanian market was the Czech company Kenvelo, with 60 locations. Third place for 2009 was taken by Jolidon, a company with around 85 locations in Romania by the end of the year. The chain, a specialised producer and retailer of lingerie and swimwear with headquarters in Romania, was forced to close some unprofitable shops as a result of the crisis.

Other leading brands of the Romanian retail sector include Dedeman (DIY), Sephora/Beauty Shop (drugs-tore/perfumery), Metro (groceries), Mobexpert (furniture), Leonardo (footwear), domo (electronics) und Intersport (sporting goods). Among these market leaders are three Romanian comanies: domo, Mobexpert and Leonardo.