This trend reflects changing consumer behaviour during challenging economic periods, when people reduce spending on goods and shift towards more affordable leisure experiences. The shift comes as Romania's labour market showed its first signs of slowdown after nearly a decade of growth, with employee numbers declining by just over 1% between March and year-end 2025.

"In more difficult times, people cut back on spending for products such as clothing or jewellery, save more, and look for more affordable leisure options," explains Silviu Pop, Director Romania Research at Colliers. "However, the local economy shows signs of resilience and, despite isolated challenges, the labour market remains relatively stable."

Cinema tickets are now more than 60% higher than before the pandemic, which has supported part of the industry's revenue growth alongside strong consumer interest in accessible leisure activities. Meanwhile, restaurants and bars are experiencing slight revenue declines despite rising prices, with activity volume falling by more than 10% last year while turnover declined only around 2%.

"For shopping centre owners, these behavioural shifts translate into the need to adapt tenant mixes, including a stronger focus on affordable leisure offerings," concludes Liana Dumitru, Director Retail Agency at Colliers Romania. "The entertainment and leisure component returns to the top of the anchors for attracting and maintaining footfall."