Press releases

Reuse and refilling of packaging poses challenges for stores

Companies in the commerce sector are ready to develop the reuse of packaging in order to reduce the production of packaging waste. However, the objectives set by the EU must be justified from an environmental point of view. Reusable packaging is suitable for some products, but not all.

Expectations for Christmas sales are higher than last year

The significance of November in Christmas commerce has increased year by year, but December is still the most important sales month of the season and of the whole year in retail trade. November is the big season for e-commerce, mainly due to the long-running Black Friday campaigns, but December is the highlight for physical stores. This year, the sales expectations for Christmas commerce are more positive than last year.

Finland is one of the world's leading second-hand markets

The Finnish Commerce Federation estimates that the total market size of circular trade in Finland is approximately EUR 895 million. The largest segment of circular trade, C2C e-commerce, has almost doubled since 2015. The growth of peer trading also brings new business opportunities for Finnish commerce businesses. According to the Finnish Commerce Federation, RDI funding directed at commerce businesses would develop circular economy ecosystems and innovations and thus accelerate the green transition even further.

The number of persons employed in commerce decreases

The retail sector sales volume* will decrease by around 3.5 per cent this year, and the growth next year will be modest. Commerce investments are also declining. In 2023–2024, the number of people employed in the retail sector will decrease by a total of nearly 4 per cent from 2022. In its labour market reforms, the Government also needs to take into account the employment in consumer services.

The Government Programme’s main policies strengthen economic growth and employment – more ambition is needed in dismantling monopolies 

The Finnish Commerce Federation considers the main policies of the Government Programme to be successful, especially with regard to decisions that strengthen economic growth and employment. However, in structural reforms concerning the dismantling of monopolies, the Government Programme’s policies fall short. The Finnish Commerce Federation hopes that the Government continue determinedly on the path towards a more European operating environment. 

Urban planning in Helsinki city centre lacks a coherent vision and input from business owners

The Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce, the Finnish Hospitality Association MaRa, the Finnish Commerce Federation and Helsingin Yrittäjät, as well as several businesses, appeal to the City of Helsinki to genuinely involve businesses in the development of the city centre. Instead of relying on individual projects, the City of Helsinki should implement a comprehensive and coherent plan to revitalise the city centre and improve the standards for business impact analysis.