Kaufland increases 2018 investment budget for further expansion in Romania

German retailer Kaufland has increased its investment budget for this year, to over EUR 200 million, planning to open ten new stores in Romania, including in small cities, the company announced. The retailer ended 2017 with a turnover of RON 10.09 billion (EUR 2.2 billion), remaining the leader of the retail market in Romania. Last year, Kaufland Romania invested more than RON 700 million (some EUR 153 million) in modernizing and expanding its network of stores. It currently runs 119 stores across the country. Also, in 2017, Kaufland was among the most important taxpayers to Romania's state budget, directing an amount of over RON 680 million (some EUR 150 million). The company employed more than 15,000 people last year, 7% more than in 2016, being the largest private employer in the country. Kaufland turns stores in Eastern Romania city into mini-malls Irina Marica, irina.marica@romania-insider.com