Looking ahead to 2024, we anticipate a paradigm shift towards smarter, faster and more sustainable commerce. The upcoming Ecommerce and Retail Summit, organized by Capital, is dedicated to unraveling the "How" behind this transformation. The forum will bring together globally recognized experts and company leaders from Bulgaria and the region to share vision and insights on successful strategies for the future. The one-day event will be held in a hybrid format with keynotes, case studies, panel discussions and a series of workshops, focused on tech and AI upskilling.
Session title: Key Retail Developments and Opportunities in Europe and Bulgaria
Session description: Global retail sales recorded a slight recovery, growing by 1% at constant prices, while European retail posted -1% decline in 2023. The industry is driven by digitalization and strategies addressing the cost-of-living crisis, as affordability and prices are the top priorities for consumers. As a result, Discounters demonstrated the most dynamic value sales growth rates in 2023 in both Western and Eastern Europe, even though other retailers also actively built their key message to consumers around pricing policy. The channel is expected to be the most developing over the forecast period being challenged only by the expansion of total E-commerce. Loyalty programs, promotional activities, and the wider usage of customer data will remain the key focuses for retailers. Sustainability targets and initiatives will also play important role in retailers’ strategies due to growing awareness and demand for eco-friendly solutions.
Date and time of the EMI session: 13 June 2024, time: tbc
Name and title of speaker involved: Vitalij Vladykin, Senior Research Manager