4 Takeaways from EuroShop 2023

The curtains have closed on an incredible EuroShop 2023, jam-packed with the latest retail trends – from emergent tech making waves through the industry, to long-standing solutions constantly being improved as the sector’s evolution continues – and everything in-between.

Now that the dust has settled on a hectic week in Düsseldorf, we’ve taken the time to reflect on the successes of this year’s event, and have outlined four of the biggest talking points coming away from the World’s No. 1 Retail Trade Fair…

1. Sustainability Sticks

Conscious consumerism has taken retail by storm and in recent years we have seen a number of businesses within the sector push to be greener. Whether they are fighting to minimize waste, lower CO2 emissions throughout their supply chain or promote second-hand fashion, retailers are actively searching for ways to become more sustainable.

This industry-wide development showed its prominence at Messe Düsseldorf, where the ‘Hot Topic Sustainability’ initiative was promoted to show retailers how they can minismize their impact on the environment. In fact, Messe Düsseldorf even created a dedicated stand – THINK SUSTAINABLY – ACT RESPONSIBLY – which demonstrated to visitors how they could be more sustainable outside of just their stores, and minimize their environmental impact when exhibiting at trade shows.

With Teamwork Commerce’s Inventory Management solution, retailers can accurately track their stock levels throughout their entire supply chain. With a clear view of inventory, the risk of over ordering products can be removed, items are less likely to be lost and waste is minimized. Ultimately, the manufacture and shipping of products becomes highly streamlined, significantly lowering the amount of CO2 emitted throughout a retailer’s supply chain.

2. Supply Chain Efficiency is a Priority

Speaking of supply chain, one glaringly obvious fact throughout EuroShop 2023 was that retailers in today’s environment are not afraid to invest in their supply chains to drive both short and long-term efficiency.

Digital transformation is helping the industry to evolve faster than ever before, and as was clearly notable earlier this year at NRF: Retail’s Big Show, improved technologies such as AI, RFID and order management systems (OMS) are helping retailers to create operational efficiencies in their supply chains.

At Teamwork Commerce, our Enterprise Order Management System allows retailers to develop a seamless purchase workflow that benefits both staff and customers. Directly connecting to eCommerce platforms, the solution can generate shipments from multiple locations, and allow them to be fulfilled from anywhere. As a result, retailers can utilize omnichannel strategies such as buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and buy online, return in-store (BORIS) – both of which create highly convenient fulfilment options for today’s evolving customer.

3. Enhanced Focus on Point of Sale

In an age where online shopping is second nature and completely seamless, customers need a reason to visit in-store. Not only do they need an amazing shop floor experience, but they need incredible convenience that rivals eCommerce shopping. As a result, the development of point of sale in recent years has grown exponentially. EuroShop proved why.

At the Teamwork Commerce booth, attendees flocked to our RFID powered self-checkout demo, which facilitates seamless transactions of entire shopping baskets in mere seconds. Why was it so popular? Because for many retailers, one of the biggest pain points that their customers suffer through is long queues. Our RFID powered self-checkout solution removes this. Customers simply place their basket in a designated area and all items (which are tagged with RFID inlays) are scanned immediately. With the customer only left needing to pay for their purchase, they can be on their way in seconds.

Queues are busted and more importantly, customers leave the store with a smile on their face having enjoyed a completely seamless checkout experience.

4. The Customer Comes First

While sustainability, supply chain management and seamless point of sale were the clear winners of EuroShop 2023, they all fall under one overarching theme: customer experience. Today’s retailer must continually pay attention to what their customers demand. In such a highly competitive industry, a poor customer experience can quickly become the difference between the winners and losers.

To find out more about how you can drive the ultimate customer experience throughout your entire retail operation, schedule a meeting with one of our retail experts today.