Press releases

Investments made by commerce decreased by 15 per cent – the next government must secure the conditions for growth

In 2025, the investments made by commerce amounted to approximately EUR 2.1 billion, meaning a fifth consecutive year of investments exceeding EUR 2 billion. However, investments decreased by approximately 15 per cent from the previous year, and they are not expected to clearly strengthen in 2026. According to the Finnish Commerce Federation and the Association of Finnish Technical Traders, the next government must improve the investment environment by streamlining permit processes and official processes, ensuring the availability of funding and ensuring the predictability of the operating environment.

The growth in unemployment is starting to be reflected in Finns’ attitudes towards sustainability - domestic employment is emphasised

Price is increasingly driving Finns' purchases, especially among those under 35. At the same time, employing people in Finland has become a more important factor in defining corporate sustainability than before. 73 per cent of consumers would like to favour shops that employ people, invest and pay taxes in Finland, but only 47 per cent are willing to pay higher prices for this.

Commerce Sector Collective Agreements to Remain in Force Until the End of the Agreement Period

The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM have jointly agreed that the nationwide collective agreements in the commerce sector will remain in force until the end of the agreement period on 31 January 2028. The decision applies to the Collective Agreement for the Commerce Sector, the Collective Agreement for Supervisors in Retail Sector and the Collective Agreement for Supervisors in Logistics.

Finnish Commerce Federation and Finnish Grocery Trade Association: There must be investment in safety and preparedness work in the next electoral term

The rapid weakening of the security environment of commerce, the increase in retail crime and the development of security of supply require determined measures from the next government. The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Finnish Grocery Trade Association require investments in preventive safety work and ensuring an extensive store network and reliable distribution chains.

Finnish Commerce Federation and Finnish Grocery Trade Association: There must be investment in safety and preparedness work in the next electoral term

The rapid weakening of the security environment of commerce, the increase in retail crime and the development of security of supply require determined measures from the next government. The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Finnish Grocery Trade Association require investments in preventive safety work and ensuring an extensive store network and reliable distribution chains.

Verkkokauppapulssi: Growth in domestic e-commerce continued – the EU's new regulation is slowing down the internationalisation of small online stores

E-commerce sales in Finland increased by 5.1 per cent in the first quarter of the year and by 5.2 per cent in the second quarter of the year when compared to the same period last year - faster than the whole retail sector. According to the recent Verkkokauppapulssi, online retailers' expectations of growth are still strong, but internationalisation is overshadowed by geopolitical uncertainty and the EU's new packaging regulation.

Studies in digital commerce became established at universities – the model launched by the Finnish Commerce Federation will continue permanently

The digital commerce study module launched by the Finnish Commerce Federation in 2021 has become an established part of the course offering at five Finnish universities. The universities will continue to carry out the studies independently after the Finnish Commerce Federation transfers the coordination responsibility to the higher education institutions.

The new customs duty dramatically decreased the volumes of Chinese parcels - Finnish Commerce Federation: The EU's actions have an impact

Customs’ recent statistics show that the new customs duty introduced by the EU in July has reduced the volume of low-value e-commerce shipments arriving from outside the EU by nearly 80 per cent. According to the Finnish Commerce Federation, the development shows that the EU has effective means to address unfair competition and ensure the same rules for all companies operating in the market.

Harassment in the service sector is not getting better – the tourism and restaurant industry joins the Let's behave campaign

Too many of those working in the service sector have to face harassment, threats or inappropriate behaviour at work. The Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa is joining the Let's behave campaign along with Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM. The campaign will kick off on June 16. It aims to encourage customers to think about their own behaviour towards those working in customer service.