EuroCommerce

EuroCommerce represents six million retail, wholesale, and trading companies across Europe, including national commerce federations in 31 countries and the 27 leading retail and wholesale firms. The organization advocates for the interests of the retail and wholesale sectors, addressing key issues such as carbon footprints in value chains. Retail and wholesale are vital to the European economy, providing services over a billion times daily and connecting manufacturers with 450 million consumers. This dynamic sector is the largest private-sector employer in Europe, supporting millions of jobs from small suppliers to major companies. The sector is currently undergoing significant transformation due to changing consumer behaviors, technological advancements, competitive pressures, and the sustainability imperative. Attracting new talent is crucial to navigate these changes, particularly for both large enterprises and millions of small companies that face low margins which challenge long-term investments. Retail involves selling goods to the public in smaller quantities for end use, operating through diverse formats like online and omnichannel sales. Retailers source products from manufacturers or wholesalers to sell to consumers. Wholesale, on the other hand, involves selling to retailers or professional businesses and plays a crucial role in the economy by acting as an intermediary between multiple sectors. Wholesalers provide integrated services and financing solutions, focusing on the procurement and distribution of various products, including raw materials and finished goods. The sector is evolving with the rise of digital players and sustainability challenges.