Romanian retailers launch Black Friday early as shoppers hunt discounts on everyday essentials

In response to a notable erosion of purchasing power, Romanian stores kicked off Black Friday sales sooner than usual this year. The early discounts have drawn strong interest, with many consumers now targeting everyday necessities like cleaning supplies, baby diapers and toilet paper. Cristian Pelivan, executive director of the Asociaţia Română a Magazinelor Online, said the event shows the highest consumer engagement in four years.

Sociologist Bogdan Voicu highlighted that buying patterns are shaped by both current economic stress and entrenched habits. Meanwhile, Csaba Lajosi Bekesi of the Autoritatea Naţională pentru Protecţia Consumatorilor urged shoppers to confirm retailer credentials and read return and warranty terms to avoid pitfalls.