According to the latest market study conducted by Footprint AI, the average monthly value of the shopping basket has increased by 10% - 15% in 2022. In the last 3 months, impulse purchases have decreased as a consequence of inflation growth.

Food products and consumer goods are predominant in the shopping basket of Romanians. As for luxury and non-food products, retailers have been left with excess inventory.

Retailers are facing up to a 15% increase in operating costs, and a decrease in profitability rate by 5% - 10% is expected this year.

The average monthly value of the shopping basket in Romania has increased by 10% - 15% in 2022, with food products and consumer goods being predominant, according to an analysis by Footprints AI, a Romanian company operating one of the most advanced Retail Media platforms in the world.

Consumer interest in organic and eco-friendly products has increased in 2022, while impulse purchases have declined in recent months due to the prioritization of expenses in the context of current inflation and market maturity.

Thus, consumer behavior has changed even in the necessity product segment. Romanians now emphasize more on controlling expenses, purchasing more frequently but in smaller quantities, and opting for slightly lower-quality products compared to those purchased last year.

Consumers have interacted multiple times with products before making a purchase, both in physical stores and through repeated online visits, comparing prices. This behavior indicates the need for stores to provide a more personalized and efficient shopping experience.

During the analyzed period by Footprints AI, particularly in the case of luxury and non-food products, retailers have ended up with excess inventory, a situation that can be addressed by anticipating demand and optimizing inventory to avoid overstocking. The analysis of buyer purchasing patterns can help stores avoid unsold products.

The impact of overstocking in the retail business can lead to significant losses. With Footprints AI, retailers can utilize data to anticipate demand and optimize purchases, thereby reducing losses by up to 30%.