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Physical Retail Stores Make a Comeback in Europe Amid Growing E-commerce Competition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 29, 2024

European retailers are expanding physical stores to boost online sales, counteracting rising competition from e-commerce giants like Shein. Data shows that online sales can increase by 10–20% within 20 minutes of proximity to a store, making physical locations a valuable part of omnichannel strategies. Companies like Decathlon and Inditex are creating engaging, interactive spaces that bridge digital and physical shopping, drawing in customers.

Physical Retail’s Role in Supporting Digital Sales

Retail spaces across Europe are expected to grow by 2.7% by 2028. Decathlon added 80 stores this year and introduced hubs for equipment rentals, repairs, and in-store product testing. For example, Decathlon’s Rome store offers free ping-pong, enhancing the shopping experience. Italy’s Cisalfa plans to open or refurbish 10 stores, underscoring the importance of face-to-face customer interaction that e-commerce lacks. Meanwhile, Zalando, a digital-first retailer, has expanded its physical presence to 15 German locations, catering to the demand for omnichannel experiences.

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Retailers See Physical Stores as a Multi-Channel Driver

Studies indicate that brick-and-mortar locations drive multi-channel engagement, with closures impacting revenue both online and offline. Inditex offers group-friendly fitting rooms with touchscreens for size requests, while Zalando combats fast-fashion competitors like Shein with pop-up stores across Europe.

Why Shoppers are Returning to Physical Stores

Consumers are gravitating back to in-person shopping, enjoying instant gratification and convenience. RBC analysts note that some people prefer the reliability and immediacy of physical stores, especially for last-minute purchases.

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Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2025

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

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Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.