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EuroCommerce represents national federations and companies in the retail, wholesale and international trade sector from 31 European countries. The sector comprises some 5.5 million companies, 99% of which are small or medium-sized enterprises. The sector plays a unique role in the European economy as a link between producers and 500 million consumers across Europe.
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EuroCommerce seeks to inform decision-makers and the wider public of the significance of the retail and wholesale sector, which interacts with 100 million customers every day, and offers 29 million European, particularly young people starting their careers a wide range of rewarding jobs and skills: 1 in 7 jobs in Europe are in retail or wholesale, and 1 in 5 young people (15-24) employed are in retail or wholesale.
The retail and wholesale sector faces a constantly changing market, with consumers looking for new products and new ways of shopping, digital technology opening up new possibilities to compare prices and products across borders and many new ways of paying for them. The sector is also active in adopting sustainable environmental policies to reduce the carbon footprint and waste in the retail and wholesale.
EuroCommerce looks to raise the profile of retail and wholesale in European policymaking, and help shape the regulatory agenda to ensure that its members can continue to offer the best products at the most competitive prices. EuroCommerce is the official European social partner for the retail and wholesale sector, and plays an active role in European social dialogue.
History
EuroCommerce was founded in 1993, as a result of merging three pre-existing large retail chains, small retail operators and wholesalers and traders. It brings together European and national associations representing various aspects of retail and wholesale and international trade to form a single voice for the sector in Brussels. Its first President (from 1993–94) and driving force behind the creation of EuroCommerce, was Dr Albert Heijn (1927–2011), the chairman of the major Dutch retailer Ahold.
Policy areas
EuroCommerce brings together the expertise of its members and secretariat to help inform and contribute to debate in a range of policies, including competitiveness and the economy, the digital economy, single market, global trade, environment and sustainability, social policy and industrial relations, food and non-food, enterprise and SMEs.