Romanian Investment Marketbeat H1 2026
Bucharest, July 2026: Grand Arena continues to strengthen its position as the leading retail destination in southern Bucharest by expanding its tenant mix with IKEA, one of the world’s most recognized and appreciated home furnishing brands. The Swedish retailer will open two complementary concepts within the shopping center, a Plan & Order Point and a Pick & Point, bringing IKEA’s planning services and products closer to residents in this part of the city. The transaction was assisted by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox.
Located in the southern part of Bucharest, GRAND ARENA Shopping Mall has been developed by EUROINVEST INTERMED, a company with Swiss capital, and has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
Supported by Cushman & Wakefield Echinox’s Retail Agency team, the scheme has substantially improved its tenant mix, attracting both international and local brands and reaching an occupancy rate close to 100%.
The new Plan & Order Point, with an area of 405 sq m, is a dedicated studio for planning and ordering home furnishing projects for kitchens, bedrooms, wardrobes, and living rooms. It represents the second concept of its kind in Bucharest and provides customers with access to personalized consultancy from IKEA specialists to help configure and optimize their living spaces.
Complementing this format, the new Pick & Point, of 283 sq m, will serve as an order collection point, offering a fast and convenient option for customers purchasing products through IKEA’s online store or by phone. Customers will be able to collect their orders directly from the new Grand Arena location, saving time while benefiting from an accessible alternative to home delivery.
The Plan & Order Point and Pick & Point concepts are part of IKEA’s global strategy to develop smaller, more accessible formats located close to residential areas and key transport hubs, facilitating interaction with the brand and easier access to home planning services. These formats are designed to provide inspiration, home furnishing expertise, and a more convenient shopping experience, closer to where people live and work.
Alina Dima, Senior Consultant, Retail Agency, Cushman & Wakefield Echinox: “The arrival of IKEA marks a new milestone in strengthening Grand Arena’s position on the Bucharest retail market and confirms the project’s growing appeal among international brands pursuing expansion opportunities. IKEA’s presence enhances the shopping center’s tenant mix and contributes to increasing its relevance for the rapidly growing community in southern Bucharest. Over recent years, Grand Arena has evolved into a comprehensive retail destination, supported by a solid customer base and consistent footfall, and this transaction further reinforces the area’s potential for investment and new retail developments.”
