Welcome to the 2025 edition of the Global Executive Research, developed in collaboration with the World Retail Congress. Now in its third year, this study by the Ebeltoft Group offers valuable insights into the evolving global retail landscape.

Retailers continue to face complex challenges. While many executives remain cautiously optimistic about their businesses, constantly adapting to shifting consumer behavior remains a top challenge. Business model evolution is top of mind, with one in six respondents indicating a need for fundamental change. Notably, the expected relevance of physical stores towards 2030 shows a decline.

Technology and talent continue to dominate strategic discussions. AI advancement is seen as vital for competitiveness, yet 56% cite skill gaps as a barrier. Across retail organizations, staffing challenges persist. Over half of our respondents face difficulties in recruiting talent, particularly in store operations and IT roles. Also, sustainability has gained momentum, with focus on the topic driven by evolving regulations and reporting standards.

This research was conducted before recent tariff policies under the Trump administration, the results of which could not have been anticipated. This development may significantly affect retail outlooks, especially in supply chains and pricing.

Despite these headwinds, retailers remain confident in their ability to adapt and grow. We thank all participants for their insights and trust you will find the findings informative as you navigate the complex retail landscape of 2025.

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