Retail and e-commerce – September 2024

Developments in retail
According to a report by Internet Retailing, despite global economic turbulence, the European consumer packaged goods sector has seen some low-level growth, with ecommerce starting to become more important. You can download the report after filling in your details.

Consumer shopping behaviour
Research by Deloitte, shows that consumers value fresh food, but ease-of-use is increasingly influencing shopping decisions, presenting a growth opportunity for retailers. 52% of respondents say they value convenience now more than they did in the past. Similarly, grocers recognise the value of easier options, as more than 8 in 10 (84%) agree that successfully competing on convenience is key to increasing unit sales volume.
A publication (in Dutch, 1.06 MB) by ABN AMRO (in Dutch) examines how consumers experience the high street and what the choice of shopping in a store or via the Internet depends on. It focusses in particular on the younger generations, as they will have a growing share of retail spending in the near future. In doing so, the publication provides insight into how entrepreneurs, can keep young people in particular loyal to the store.

Sustainable retail supply chains
The Thuiswinkel Sustainability Monitor 2024 by Thuiswinkel.org (in Dutch) shows that consumers are not sufficiently informed about the sustainability of online shopping. Only 17% of consumers think an online shop is more sustainable than a physical shop. It is therefore important for online stores to continue to communicate about sustainability.
A Technical University of Munich study (2.21 MB) entitled ‘Sustainability in retail supply chains: making a better world in retailing from sourcing to consumption’ is published in Sustainability Analytics and Modeling.

Reusable Packaging
Food Packaging Forum reports on four recent studies examining consumer perspectives on switching to reusable packaging. All studies identified concerns related to hygiene and return logistics. Furthermore they show that consumer desirability, business viability, sustainability, and technical feasibility are interlocked.
Utrecht University has published a master thesis (1.25 MB) on how the transition from single-use packaging towards reusable packaging systems could be realised in the Dutch industry of dry goods and cleaning products. The work addresses three questions:
1. What are the infrastructural barriers?
2. What are the implications of consumer behaviour and social structure?
3. What actions can be taken to facilitate the transition?
Internet Retailing looks at how the top retailers are including returns in their operational equations, and by handling returns with care are being seen as reliable and sustainable. With the balance of green initiatives, cost saving strategies and winning customer loyalty, retailers are spinning a lot of plates and returns are something else to be managed. You can download the report after filling in your details.
 

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