„Destination: Bucharest” - Traditional markets in the Capital

Between the expansion of supermarkets and hypermarkets and the emergence of the bio product stores niche, the traditional markets have kept their place in the city’s texture. Many have been modernized, others relocated, but beyond the logistic transformations they carry on with a traditional retail form that is also adapted to a new generation of customers. It is during autumn and spring when Bucharest best reveals itself through its markets.

Upon exiting the underpass of the Obor subway, in the eastern part of the city, one needs to walk past a mix of counters and wooden stalls where any one thing can be found on sale: from discounted books and underwear to traditional Romanian blouses, wooden spoons and cutlery, interior design items and clothes. Making way between them, you pass by the Bucur Obor Store, a city landmark since the communist period. The store is probably one of its kind in Bucharest: it hosts a variety of stores and products, from haberdasher’s and fabric stores to leather goods, tailor’s and watch repair shops.