Press releases

Specialty goods got retail trade growing – international competition intensifies

Retail business turnover developed well in 2019. A spike in specialty and department store trade during late summer and autumn sped up the growth. However, the employment rate of the retail sector dropped from last year due to increased efficiency of supply chains and operations as well as automation and international competition, among other things.

The Finnish Commerce Federation laments the break in negotiations – collective agreement must answer to challenges posed by the transformation of commerce

The Finnish Commerce Federation finds it very lamentable that the Service Union United PAM has broken off the negotiations over the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector, and announced an overtime prohibition and work stoppage. Commerce is tied with the export-focused labour market model that is important for Finland and for the sector’s capability to employ.

Buying is easy for the ageing – digital buying does still sometimes cause problems

Buying is easy for ageing customers and visiting physical stores is preferred. However, most customers over 55 do not use mobile devices when shopping nor do they want to receive mobile advertisements, unlike younger customers. Even though many ageing people buy and order fluently from online stores, especially those over 65 do also encounter difficulties in digital purchases. Are online stores designed only for younger people?

Finnish Commerce Federation: Commission on a promising course to boost competitive strength and circular economy

The significance of fair conditions for competition is strongly emphasised in the European Commission Work Programme 2020 published today. The Finnish Commerce Federation finds it excellent that the Commission finally seems to be tackling the issues related to the platform economy also as it concerns trade in goods. The programme also widely acknowledges the climate and circular economy ambitions that are important for the commerce sector.

Negotiations on the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector will begin on 9 January 2020

The Finnish Commerce Federation and the Service Union United PAM will initiate negotiations on the Collective Agreement for the Commercial Sector on Thursday, 9 January. The Finnish Commerce Federation will inform about the progress and results of the negotiations at the recently opened section Neuvottelumaailma of its website Kauppa.fi.

Customer satisfaction explored – improvement strongest in sporting goods, greatest improvement in daily consumer goods and hardware chains

According to the Finnish Commerce Federation’s latest customer satisfaction index, customer satisfaction has grown across all trade sectors in Finland. The growth has been the strongest in sporting goods, whereas medical services have seen the biggest drop in customer satisfaction. Of all the sectors covered, the best service experience is created in daily consumer goods trade. Customer service is a competitive advantage – also in Christmas trade. Christmas is traditionally the number one season of the year for the retail sector: sales increase by a quarter on average, and more than double in some areas of specialty goods trade.