European Compendium dedicated to the Cross-Border E-Commerce model in the “NEXT new normal” across Europe

Cross-Border Commerce Europe launches the fourth edition of a European Compendium dedicated to the Cross-Border E-Commerce model in the “NEXT new normal” across Europe. A collection of seven annual blue paper reports compiled by 70 leading EU C-Level retail executives.

Brussels – November 28th, 2024. Cross-Border Commerce Europe, the platform that drives cross-border e-commerce in Europe, launches a compendium that maps how Cross-Border e-Commerce will be defined in the NEXT new normal across Europe over the year to come. A collection of seven annual Blue Paper reports on strategic topics like Customer Centricity, Green Supply Chain, Marketplaces and Sustainability but also channel related fields such as Brands Direct-to-Consumer, Omnichannel and Scale-Ups. A Compendium carried out by 70 C-Level Retail executives under the auspices of CBCommerce with support from Poste Italiane.

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CBCommerceNEXT Compendium is the result of six round table brainstorming sessions gathering ten International C-Level Retail executives in each High-Level Group.  Representing all sectors and EU countries, they are guided by a chairman having an academic and consulting experience background. All executives are highly reputed experts. Those seven High Level Groups gathered during the whole year 2024 to define the ‘NEXT new normal’ across Europe regarding:

• Brands Direct-to-Consumer
• Customer Centricity
• Green Supply Chain
• Marketplaces
• Omnichannel
• Scale-Ups
• Sustainability

A Blue Paper compiled by each High-Level Group summarises the learnings and recommendations bringing insights and best practices cases to stimulate radical innovation and tangible action in the European e-commerce industry. The views expressed by each retail executive are their own take-aways and do not necessarily reflect the official positions of their companies.

You will find hereunder some initial learnings wrapped up by each Chairman:

Direct-to-Consumer activity will become the most important channel for many European brands by 2025.

“Embracing D2C approach involves integrating complex digital processes and IT systems, which are often overlooked but essential for a successful transformation. Decision-makers must balance ambitious D2C goals with the practicalities of implementing digital change, carefully addressing both big-picture vision and granular execution challenges” says chairman Oliver Lucas.

Becoming a customer-centric company is an ongoing effort to align culture, organisation, processes and technology.

“The retail landscape is rapidly changing due to the growth of international e-commerce and evolving customer service expectations. Digital self-service has emerged as a crucial solution to meet consumer demands for efficient and seamless experiences. ” said chairman Siegfried Schallenmueller.

The importance of zero-emission engines and sustainable fuel technologies in reducing the logistics sector’s carbon footprint can’t be underestimated. A Green Supply Chain strategy is needed.

“The urgent need to decarbonize our society while safeguarding the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy is one of the most daunting challenges of the 21st century. The fast growing cross-border commerce sector is heavily reliant on transport and logistics, and therefore a main source of greenhouse gases (GHG). As such, all actors in the e-commerce supply chain, from suppliers to logistics service providers (LSPs) and other business partners, have a moral obligation to rethink their ways of working, act with courage and contribute to a more sustainable planet for the next generations. ” confirmed chairman Sven Verstrepen.

Brands and retailers develop their own Marketplace. To succeed with this new strategy, clear priorities need to be set up.  

“In the era of e-commerce, marketplaces have established themselves as indispensable platforms on which companies can offer products globally and consumers have a wide range of products and services at theirdisposal. However, the challenges for marketplace operators are complex: rising return rates, the need for data optimization and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and create a personalized experience.This blue paper provides not only an overview of the challenges, but also an outlook on how marketplaces can be optimized for future requirements”, declared Chairman Prof. Dr. Moritz E. Behm

Omnichannel integration remains a major challenge for traditional retailers, the insights from this year underscore the critical role of technology, corporate culture, and logistics in driving omnichannel success.

“The insights from this year underscore the critical role of technology, corporate culture, and logistics in driving omnichannel success. By embracing automation, personalizing customer interactions, and optimizing logistics for sustainability, retailers are better positioned to meet the demands of today’s digitally connected consumers.” confirms chairwoman Claire Gruslin.

All Scale-Ups that are highly successful in their home market plan to continue their growth by entering new markets within the European Union.

“Understanding the different markets and knowing the challenges beforehand helps create a better basis for decisions to enter the market successfully at the first attempt. Preparing for internationalisation makes localisation easier” concludes chairman Ulrich Seldeslachts.

Sustainability. According to the climate transition barometer 2024, 85% of European mid-market companies consider that only 17% have implemented a structured plan to decrease their emissions.

“This blue paper deals with the new challenges faced by companies and how they can

handle with them, illustrated by examples of our working group. Brands’ reputations are also increasingly being challenged, and this represents a risk. How can we simultaneously avoid greenwashing while remaining able to communicate about the positive work our companies are doing? These are just some of the questions to which we are providing an initial response”, declared Chairwoman Valérie Tiersen.

“I would like to thank our 70 International Retail C-Level executives’ members, Chairmen and Chairwomen as well as our Knowledge Partners Poste Italiane who put all their energy behind this eagerly awaited CBCommerceNEXT Compendium. It acts as an inspirational document gathering the best strategies and best European practices cases defining the NEXT for the entire sector”, concludes Carine Moitier, the founder of CBCommerce.eu.

GET YOUR BLUE PAPERS HERE

Press coverage

Electronics NewsMag
European cross-border e-commerce: Trends 2025
https://electronique-newsmag.com/articles/204372/e-commerce-transfrontalier-europeen-les-tendances-2025.html