Brasov's 300,000-plus inhabitants and in particular the potential for tourists flooding the resorts located within a half hour's drive of the city has so far attracted the investment of tens of millions of euros in trade.
After Metro, Selgros and Carrefour took the first steps, other big names like Cora, Billa, Bricostore, Penny Market and Kaufland are preparing to enter the scene.
These companies are at various stages of the investment process; from feasibility studies (Cora) to building preparations where location issues have been resolved (Bricostore).
The most significant investment is likely to come from French group Cora, following the recent visit by representatives of the Louis Delhaize concern, the owner of the Cora network, to identify the best location for the complex they plan to build in Brasov.
Cora hypermarket will most likely be built in the Harman area of Brasov, which has not yet been covered and is relatively close for shoppers from Covasna and Harghita.
According to information provided by the local administration, the Louis Delhaize representatives are about to produce a feasibility study for the project. Cora currently has only one hypermarket, which is located in Bucharest and represents an investment of 50 million euros.
The German Rewe group, which already has a presence in Romania through its Selgros cash & carry store, also has plans for Brasov. Next year, Rewe will open a Billa supermarket in an area close Brasov's main railway station.
ionut.bonoiu@zf.ro
