MILAN (ITALPRESS) – In a scenario characterized by uncertainty, social and demographic changes, technological innovation and new challenges stemming from changing international contexts, modern retail faces continuous transformation, maintaining an important role for societies, regions and national economies. These themes are at the heart of the “Modern Distribution Forum 2025 – Retail in the country’s economy. Markets, technology and society” which took place today in Milan, organized by the Federdistributione, opened with a message from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and attended by Adolfo Urso, Minister of Business and Made in Italy.
The work program opened with the report of Federdistributione President Carlo Alberto Buttarelli, who underlined the economic and social role of modern retail: “Modern Distribution Companies operate in the region, they are the guardians of closeness to local communities, they guarantee accessibility and quality. In our stores, we see every day how people’s needs and buying habits change, just as we feel the impact of the uncertainty stemming from the economic and global context. The spirit of service that distinguishes our sector – he added – is therefore in line with the transformation that is in front of us and that today, with the speakers at the Modern Distribution Forum, we are at the center of discussions regarding contributions to economic growth. Therefore, the future of this sector is also a commitment to the work of Federdistributione, the home of modern retail, to always contribute to representing the needs of the business world in the best way”.
The forum, moderated by Andrea Bignami, SkyTg24 journalist, hosted the panel “A time of interdependence: geopolitical challenges, markets and the new global balance” attended by Lucrezia Reichlin, Professor of Economics at London Business School and Nathalie Tocci, Director of the Institute of International Affairs. Comparison of international, economic and geopolitical dynamics, to explore their impact on global value chains, international trade dynamics and the Italian economy, with a focus on the role of Europe and our country in relation to the new global pole of economic and technological influence.
In his speech, Giorgio De Rita, Secretary General of Censis, presented the research “Evolution of Italian society: trends and prospects of modern retail”. Global events affect the daily lives of Italians, generating uncertainty and caution in income management. In response, the search for daily micro-happiness, moments of well-being associated with time for oneself, relationships and rewarding activities, is increasing. This means a reversal of the value hierarchy and a new social interpretation of consumption: quality takes precedence over quantity and consumption becomes a means of generating personal and relational satisfaction. The data confirms these trends: 83.9% of Italians buy products that align with their values, 75.5% favor eco-friendly products, 56.4% reward themselves with a purchase after a busy day, and 70.6% avoid impulse purchases.
At a sociodemographic level – he added – Italy is facing an aging population and an increase in the number of people living alone. A scenario that increases the need for relationships and closeness, making physical stores the center of socialization: 69.3% of Italians consider shopping an opportunity to have fun, 62.7% value available staff, and 38% want a space dedicated to socializing. In addition, in a scenario increasingly characterized by new technologies and artificial intelligence, the increasingly “challenging” consumer figure for the retail sector is increasingly consolidating.
A look at the future of innovation is at the heart of the report “Leadership in the digital age: innovation, artificial intelligence and new routes for business” written by Alec Ross, Distinguished Professor at Bologna Business School.
The bottom line is the impact of transformative technology on business operating models, the new leadership needed to address today’s changes, and the impact of artificial intelligence on business competitiveness, which also offers opportunities for modern retail. Also discussing this perspective was the roundtable discussion “Digital culture and society: what is the future of physical stores?” which was attended by Fausto Caprini, Founder of Retex, Daniele Grassucci, Director and Co-Founder of Skuola.Net, and Christina Lundari, Country Manager, TikTok Global Business Solutions, Italy & Greece. A discussion to discuss the future of the point of sale, as well as a place for relationships, considering ongoing technological and generational changes, the impact of digital culture on the consumer experience and how the relationship between retail companies and consumption is changing from the perspective of the new generation.
– Federdistribuzione press office photo –
(ITALPRES).
