Press releases

Eased restrictions increased the attractiveness of brick-and-mortar stores

After the restrictions on movement were eased in early June, the intentions to do more digital shopping have faded. Particularly families with children shopped more for household and specialty goods online during the spring, but their intentions to do more online shopping have not intensified any further. As people are now allowed to move more freely, more over 65-year-olds in particular have started to visit grocery stores. Some of the customers who bought groceries from online stores have already started to go shopping more frequently in person.

Commerce may achieve carbon neutrality by 2035 – tax solutions and energy investment support will help in reaching the target

The aim of the commerce sector’s low carbon roadmap is to enable Finnish commerce to be the global climate pioneer in the industry and achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, and in 2050, the industry’s emissions will be practically zero. By way of a reduced electricity tax and subsidised small-scale production of renewable energy, commerce can bring carbon neutrality forward by 15 years. Climate work by commerce sector companies, which serve the Finnish society as a whole, has a significant positive handprint impact on the entire value and delivery chain and customers’ possibilities to operate sustainably.

Consumer buying behaviour has changed during the COVID-19 crisis – some businesses also benefit from it

The use of social media has changed during the COVID-19 epidemic, and so has the use of different types of digital devices. These changes can be seen on the consumer’s path to purchase right from its start, for example in how people get impulses to buy. Digital buying has also changed, both in terms of the devices used and in terms of the products bought. Consumers have moved from buying clothing on digital platforms to buying electronics – both in physical stores and online. This report is based on data from an international consumer survey by Statista.

Shopping in stores has declined further while digital shopping is on the rise – every fifth consumer has already tried grocery shopping online during the coronavirus crisis

As the coronavirus crisis continues, even more consumers have cut down shopping in stores. This is reflected particularly clearly in specialty goods stores, department stores and shopping centres in the capital region. At the same time, the number of digital shoppers has grown briskly in a matter of weeks. Especially families with children shop more online, but also the oldest age groups do more digital shopping than before. Direct targeted support measures are urgently needed to help companies currently struggling with problems caused by the coronavirus crisis survive during the worst period.

Finns invest in their homes – also during the coronavirus crisis

A physical store plays a key role in the retail trade of home and living products, both with regard to seeking pre-purchase information and the actual purchase. Digital channels and mobile platforms in particular are increasingly important, with the coronavirus crisis accelerating the development. The place of purchase is often decided on based on price, but the selection of products and quality, among other factors, are also important selection criteria for many. The coronavirus is threatening the most important season of the hardware store sector, the largest sector within the specialty goods trade. An increase in the tax credit for household expenses would quickly help the sector.

Finnish Commerce Federation and Palta propose new restart salary subsidy that aims to shorten temporary layoffs and avoid redundancies

The Finnish Commerce Federation and Service Sector Employers Palta propose a salary subsidy to shorten temporary layoffs and support the restarting of operations. The subsidy would be targeted at companies that have suffered the most due to the restrictions during the coronavirus crisis. Over 150,000 Finns have been laid off temporarily.

Consumer survey: Digital shopping and willingness to try online grocery shopping on the rise

The acute coronavirus crisis has dramatically decreased shopping in stores, and it is evident particularly as a crash in sales in specialty goods trade. However, digital shopping is increasing and one-fifth of consumers intend to make more purchases online as the crisis continues. Consumers in older age groups are also willing to try online shopping, and do more of it. The pandemic has already caused a wave of layoffs and dismissals in the commerce sector, and the Finnish Commerce Federation is calling for urgent direct support for companies.