Large fashion retailers continued expansion in Romania in 2014, with Swedish retailer H&M and Polish footwear retailer CCC opening most stores on the local market.

“As a destination for new stores, Bucharest remains the main attraction, most openings being recorded in the capital,” Mihaela Gălăţanu, research specialist within JLL told local news agency Mediafax.

According to JLL data, H&M opened most stores in Romania this year – 8 units, followed by CCC with 6 units, Ecco – 5 units, Takko – 4 new units, Timeout, Mim and LC Waikiki – 3 new openings each,  C&A, New Yorker, Lee Cooper and Koton – 2 units each and Reserved – one new store.

On the other hand, Spanish Inditex group, which is present on the local market with Zara, Zara Home, Bershka, Pull&Bear, Stradivarius, Oysho and Massimo Dutti brands, didn’t open any store in Romania this year.

Bucharest ranks 30th among most attractive European locations for international retailers.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com