Romania’s 1H Household Goods Consumption Falls 4% – Survey

„Due to the unfriendly economic environment, consumers’ appetite for shopping decreased and supermarkets are the most affected stores from this point of view,” said Raluca Raschip, consumer tracking director at GfK Romania.

In the first half of teh year, Romanian households spent 7% less on personal care products and 4% less on house cleaning products.

Consumer goods accounted for 45% of household expenses in January to June, slightly higher from 43% in the same period a year earlier.

Discount stores recorded the most dynamic sales rate in the analyzed period, with an 11% growth, while the supermarkets followed a downward path, with sales decreasing by 9% in value, the survey says.

According to GfK, hypermarkets rose their market share to 21% in the first half, from 20% a year earlier, while supermarkets’ market share decreased 13% to 12%. The market share of discount stores increased from 8% to 10% in January-June, while cash&carry units kept the same market share, of 2%.