Sales of electronics and electrical home appliances in Romania in the first quarter of this year posted the biggest decline of Europe, 25%, with the Romanian market being followed at a far distance by the Slovakian market (-6.1%), the Czech Republic (-1.1%) and Russia (-1%), according to statistical data provided by GfK market research firm. In Romania, consumers have grown ever more reluctant to make new acquisitions, with the buying decision being based almost exclusively on the immediate need for replacement. For 2010, the main retailers estimated the market would reach the same level as in 2009, namely over 800m euros. The uncertainty about job stability and the wage level among public sector employees will further delay the acquisition of durables, with consumers now preferring to preserve their financial resources. Moreover, against the 2006-2008 period, when consumption based on loans had come to account for over half of acquisitions of electronics and electrical home appliances, this year the weight stays below 10%, Altex representatives say.

Sales of electronics and electrical home appliances in Romania in the first quarter of this year posted the biggest decline of Europe, 25%, with the Romanian market being followed at a far distance by the Slovakian market (-6.1%), the Czech Republic (-1.1%) and Russia (-1%), according to statistical data provided by GfK market research firm. In Romania, consumers have grown ever more reluctant to make new acquisitions, with the buying decision being based almost exclusively on the immediate need for replacement. For 2010, the main retailers estimated the market would reach the same level as in 2009, namely over 800m euros. The uncertainty about job stability and the wage level among public sector employees will further delay the acquisition of durables, with consumers now preferring to preserve their financial