Retail and e-commerce – November 2025

Navigating the retail sector with AI as entrepreneur
The rise of AI is rapidly changing the retail and wholesale sector. Smart technology and chain collaboration are essential to remain relevant. A publication (in Dutch, 1.53 MB) by the Rabobank (in Dutch) shows entrepreneurs how they can respond to these two developments.

Chinese web shops making inroads in Europe and USA
Remazing and Appinio have published the Amazon Shopper Report 2025. The study surveying 1,000 shoppers across six key markets, shows major shifts in consumer behaviour driven by increased price sensitivity, mobile-first shopping and the rise of new challengers. Amazon remains dominant, but users are increasingly open to Chinese disruptors (Temu, Shein). You can download the report after filling in your details.

From linear to lasting:
how retailers are reshaping systems
A Circana report looks at how circular economy practices are transforming retail. It’s all about re-commerce models including innovative refill systems, strategies that reduce waste, boost profitability and build brand loyalty. You can download the report after filling in your details.

How pricing affects return behaviour in e-commerce
Returns are not just a logistical headache, they also change how online shops set their prices. A Tilburg University study shows that return behaviour significantly affects profitability and pricing strategies. The study also reveals how major platforms use their market power to favour their own brands.

Template for fair comparisons between single-use and reusable items
A study (2.41 MB) in Packaging Technology and Science analyses the factors affecting the outcome of LCAs when applied to single-use or returnable (transport) items in packaging. The study was led by Mieke van den Berg from The LCA Centre in collaboration with prof. Roland ten Klooster from the University of Twente.

Robot dog may soon be the post delivery person’s best friend
PostNL (in Dutch) has conducted a series of experiments with different types of robots, such as robot dogs, service robots and humanoid robots. PostNL is investigating how robotics can make a valuable contribution to parcel delivery, with the aim of supporting delivery staff and improving services. In the coming period, the robot dog will be tested further.

Green packaging may boost profitability, says study
‘The retail platform’s green packaging strategy: the interplay between government tax policies and environmentally conscious consumers’ is the title of a University of Science and Technology of China study (2.61 MB) published in the International Journal of Production Research. The study concludes that green packaging, regardless of taxation, boosts consumer demand and enhances platform profitability.

Less services, more food purchasing in Dutch online shopping
The latest Market Monitor by Thuiswinkel.org (in Dutch), covering the first half of 2025, shows that Dutch consumers are spending less online on experiences and leisure. On the other hand, there is remarkable growth in home and living (+19%) and food/nearfood (+9%). Online cross-border purchasing is growing, increasingly from Chinese web shops, while web shops in the US and the UK are losing ground.
 

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