Lidl & Schwartz group, present in Romania through the Kaufland chain, plans to open two new stores this year.
Aldi and Lidl have analyzed the Romanian market before, but economic instability, inflation and the explosion of prices constituted a major risk. Western markets now have no potential for growth, while Central and Eastern European markets have a high growth potential, with exceeds risks.
Romania is the second-largest retail market in Europe, and the discount segment has a high growth potential, because a classic 1,200 square meter discount store can be opened in any location, from large cities to communes.
Lidl announced investments worth €150 million to open 100 stores in Romania by 2011. Direct competitors on the discount segment are Plus Discount, Kaufland, Profi and Penny Market.
