Retail and e-commerce – January 2023

E-commerce and the EU Green Deal
The European Parliament committee on Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) has published a study (1.7 MB) that analyses the environmental footprint of online sales in the context of the circular economy. The study provides information on the role of e-commerce in implementing the European Green Deal and makes recommendations for future action.

E-commerce packaging trends
Mondi has published a report identifying five trends in e-commerce packaging. Oversized packaging annoys 86% of consumers, up from 79% in 2021. Also, 78% said that standout product packaging and an unboxing experience would convince them to order from the same retailer again; compared to 46% in 2021. You can download the report after filling in your details.

Developments in retail
ING's (in Dutch) Dutch retail outlook shows that sales growth will come in at around 2.5% in 2023, sharply lower than in 2022 (+7.5%). Continued pressure on consumer spending will lead to a further volume contraction (-1%) this year. Sales growth is solely due to implemented price increases. These will be less significant this year (+3.5% versus +7% in 2022).
ABN AMRO (in Dutch) expects a volume contraction of 0.5% in 2023 for the Dutch retail sector. A major cause is pressure on purchasing power, which is taking a beating despite all government measures. Major purchases in particular are being postponed. Costs are also increasing for many retailers. This puts pressure on margins.
According to CBS (in Dutch), almost €32 billion was spent at Dutch online shops in 2020. Retailers in particular booked more turnover in the first corona year than in 2019. Shops selling exclusively online accounted for almost 60% of the internet sales within the retail sector.
RetailX has published a report which provides an analytical exploration into the state of global ecommerce, zooming in on 35 different markets and assessing each from a commercial perspective. You can download the report after filling in your details.
According to Retailagenda (in Dutch), Dutch consumers are increasingly buying locally. Online shopping is also growing steadily. City centres are increasingly turning into multifunctional areas where shopping, living, catering and culture reinforce each other. From that mix, the city centre is growing into a place with a social function.

Trends in brick and mortar retail
IRI has published a report exploring trends in private brand products, which have not reached their expected growth amid 2022’s economic uncertainties. The report (3.5 MB) provides an update on the store brand landscape and identifies retailer opportunities to increase demand for their own brand and private brand offerings.
IRI has also published a report (1.2 MB) with an overview of and an outlook for the grocery channel’s in-store merchandising displays.
 

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