Despite the difficulties, the largest retail chains are still striving to maintain low margins to provide consumers with the most favorable prices possible under the current circumstances. Rising consumer expectations also entail further investments in innovation. The trade sector needs stability, legal predictability, and no surprises from authorities in the form of unforeseen changes.
Investment areas will include the continuous development of sales networks, technological transformation, development of logistics infrastructure, integration of sales channels (omnichannel – integration of stationary and online sales), and process automation. Additional investments will also be related to the need to adapt stores to legislative changes and upcoming regulations, such as the implementation of a deposit return system, which is a significant organizational and logistical challenge, involving high costs, often requiring store reconstruction.
The biggest challenges for trade in 2025 will be maintaining an appropriate level of business profitability amid soaring costs, strengthening positions in a highly competitive market, and adapting to very costly legal regulations. In a dynamically changing market, another challenge is efficiently adjusting the offer to the needs of increasingly demanding consumers. The bar is raised by slowing demographic growth, which is a significant challenge for the labor market and, consequently, the development of new technologies.
In the area of consumer trends, we can expect much more thoughtful purchases. Poles are counting their expenses more carefully and, due to rising living costs, are oriented toward greater savings. The economic situation forces consumers to look for opportunities and promotions, which is why their willingness to rotate between stores in search of the best deals will probably increase, creating an additional challenge in building customer loyalty.
In 2025, price will continue to play a key role in purchasing decisions, but it is also worth noting the growing importance of ecology and sustainable development, as well as the increasing awareness of consumers.
Renata Juszkiewicz
President of the Board of the Polish Organization of Trade and Distribution
Investment areas will include the continuous development of sales networks, technological transformation, development of logistics infrastructure, integration of sales channels (omnichannel – integration of stationary and online sales), and process automation. Additional investments will also be related to the need to adapt stores to legislative changes and upcoming regulations, such as the implementation of a deposit return system, which is a significant organizational and logistical challenge, involving high costs, often requiring store reconstruction.
The biggest challenges for trade in 2025 will be maintaining an appropriate level of business profitability amid soaring costs, strengthening positions in a highly competitive market, and adapting to very costly legal regulations. In a dynamically changing market, another challenge is efficiently adjusting the offer to the needs of increasingly demanding consumers. The bar is raised by slowing demographic growth, which is a significant challenge for the labor market and, consequently, the development of new technologies.
In the area of consumer trends, we can expect much more thoughtful purchases. Poles are counting their expenses more carefully and, due to rising living costs, are oriented toward greater savings. The economic situation forces consumers to look for opportunities and promotions, which is why their willingness to rotate between stores in search of the best deals will probably increase, creating an additional challenge in building customer loyalty.
In 2025, price will continue to play a key role in purchasing decisions, but it is also worth noting the growing importance of ecology and sustainable development, as well as the increasing awareness of consumers.
Renata Juszkiewicz
President of the Board of the Polish Organization of Trade and Distribution
