Romania is a country located in Southeast Europe, with a growing retail industry. In this article, we will discuss the typical opening hours of shops, forms of payment accepted, major supermarkets, online shopping popularity, expat-specific shops, and consumer rights in Romania.
Typical opening hours of shops in Romania and forms of payment accepted
Most shops in Romania are open from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, with some staying open until later at night. On Sundays, shops generally open later in the day and close earlier.
As for forms of payment, most shops in Romania accept both cash and credit card payments. Some shops also accept mobile payments, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Major Supermarkets in Romania and differences between them
The major supermarket chains in Romania are Carrefour, Kaufland, and Auchan.
Carrefour is a multinational retail company with stores throughout the world, including several locations in Romania. It is known for its wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items.
Kaufland is a German supermarket chain with several locations in Romania. It is known for its competitive prices and wide range of products, including fresh produce and meat.
Auchan is a French retail company with several locations in Romania. It is known for its focus on quality products, including fresh produce and meat, as well as its loyalty program, which offers discounts and rewards to frequent shoppers.
Online shopping popularity and main websites
Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular in Romania, with more and more people opting to shop online instead of in physical stores. Some of the most popular online shopping websites in Romania include:
Emag: This website offers a range of products, including electronics, fashion, and home goods.
Cel: This website is the online version of the Cel hypermarket chain, offering a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items.
Carrefour: This website is the online version of the Carrefour supermarket chain, offering a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, and household items.
Shops in Romania specifically for expats and finding international products
There are several shops in Romania specifically for expats, catering to their specific needs and tastes. Some of these shops include:
Mega Image: This supermarket chain has several stores that offer international products, including clothing, electronics, and home goods.
Cora: This hypermarket chain has several stores that offer international products, including luxury brands, cosmetics, and electronics.
Specialty Food Shops: There are several specialty food shops in Romania that offer a range of international products, including cheeses, meats, and gourmet foods.
For finding specific international products, expats can also try visiting ethnic food stores or online retailers, such as Global Foods or World Market, which offer a range of products from different countries.
Consumer rights and contact details of main consumer organizations in Romania
Consumers in Romania have several rights that are protected by law. These include the right to a refund, the right to a replacement product or service, and the right to cancel a contract within a certain time period.
If consumers have a complaint or dispute with a business, they can contact the National Authority for Consumer Protection. The authority is responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws and can provide assistance and support to consumers who have been mistreated by businesses.
In addition to the National Authority for Consumer Protection, there are several consumer organizations in Romania that can provide information and assistance to consumers. Some of the main organizations include:
The Romanian Consumers’ Association: This organization aims to protect and promote consumer interests in Romania, providing legal advice, support, and representation to consumers who have been mistreated by businesses.
The Romanian Association for Consumer Protection: This organization works to promote and protect consumer rights in Romania, providing information and support to consumers who have been mistreated by businesses.
- The National Association of Romanian Retailers: This organization represents the interests of retailers in Romania, providing information and support to businesses and consumers alike.
Consumers in Romania can contact these organizations by phone or email for assistance with consumer-related issues.
In conclusion, Romania offers a growing retail industry with a range of shopping experiences and products for consumers. Most shops are open from Monday to Saturday between 9:00 am and 9:00 pm, with some staying open until later at night. The major supermarket chains in Romania are Carrefour, Kaufland, and Auchan, each with their unique selling points. Online shopping is becoming increasingly popular, with websites like Emag, Cel, and Carrefour offering a wide range of products. For expats, there are shops specifically catering to their needs, as well as specialty food shops and online retailers. Consumers in Romania have several rights protected by law and can seek assistance and information from organizations such as the National Authority for Consumer Protection, Romanian Consumers’ Association, Romanian Association for Consumer Protection, and National Association of Romanian Retailers.