The Future of Commerce Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Retail Sector Christian Verschueren, Director General, EuroCommerce APED Congress, Lisbon, 18th January 2012
The changing environment of retail in the 21st Century • Shift in demographics
• Cross border expansion
• Price-conscious consumers
• Technology
• More sustainability & health-conscious purchasing
• Shift in supply chain
Multi-retail and Cross-channel – – – –
In-Store vs On-Line Generalist vs Specialist Large vs Small Central vs Peripheral Social media
Websites
• Greater choice • Instant consumer knowledge • Personalised experience
Evolution of Retail – Multi-channel retailing Classic
New Positioning through Social Media
Positioning
Confrontation
Cooperation Distribution / Customer contact
Advised Action
Direct
Direct
Indirect
Distribution / Customer contact
Integration of Social Media
Direct
Indirect Direct
Retailer
Manufacturer
Distribution / Customer contact
Manufacturer + Retailer
Direct
Consumer
Consumer
Source : “How social media gives a new position to manufacturers and retailers.” Nora Alfuss, University of Köln, 2011
Consumer
An overview of EuroCommerce
Key European political priorities • Action Plan for the European retail sector • A competitive environment for European payment providers and fairer fees for end-users • Employment flexicurity • Environmental sustainability • Principles of good practice in the supply chain