The state of Baden-Württemberg is launching new intensive consultations for retailers!

The state of Baden-Württemberg is launching new intensive consultations for retailers!

What is the state of retail in Baden-Württemberg? This question concerns not only local entrepreneurs, but also the state government, which is now setting the course for the future with an important initiative. Baden-Württemberg has announced that at least 150 retail companies will benefit from intensive consultations by the end of 2026. The focus is particularly on the topics of digitalization, sustainability, company transfer and strategic development. Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister of Economy, Labor and Tourism, emphasized the importance of these consultations, which are carried out by experienced specialist consultants, in order to effectively modernize business models.

This initiative, known as Future Trade 2030, aims to support companies in digital transformation as well as developing new concepts and designing handover processes. The consultations are offered by Unternehmensberatung Handel (UBH) GmbH, a subsidiary of the Baden-Württemberg Trade Association (HBW), for a reduced contribution of 297 euros. A company can choose between six and 15 days of consulting, an opportunity that many retailers should take advantage of.

Retail in transition

The importance of these consultations is particularly clear from the findings of a current IHK study. According to the IHK Retail in Baden-Württemberg is changing, which is also reflected in nationwide trends. The third IHK-ibi trade study shows that companies in the region face specific challenges, but can also seize opportunities. 50% of retailers already use multi-channel strategies, even though stationary retail remains the most important sales channel.

Another important point is digitalization. While 79% of companies have a person responsible for digitalization, only 29% have a well-thought-out digitalization strategy. The average digitization value is 5.9, but remains below the national value of 6.1. So there is still a lot of room for improvement. The IHK also highlights that around a third of companies are already using AI tools, especially in marketing - a positive trend that shows that companies are ready to integrate the advantages of the digital world step by step.

Sustainability in focus

Shifting to sustainable practices is another topic that is in focus. The mean of 7.1 in the sustainability rating is above the national average of 6.9. What is particularly pleasing is that over a third of companies practice active sustainability management and implement measures such as reducing packaging material and sustainable product lines. However, many retailers also face challenges. Around 25% of retailers feel severely restricted by bureaucracy, and 50% report high energy costs that are affecting their business.

In addition, the shortage of skilled workers is a key concern that particularly affects larger companies, affecting 79% of them. The IHK Südlicher Oberrhein actively strives to provide support in digitalization and in reducing bureaucratic hurdles in order to ensure the competitiveness of local retail. These challenges make it clear that it is necessary to find solutions together to make retail future-proof.

Overall, it is clear that the efforts of the state government and chambers form the basis for a successful transformation of retail in Baden-Württemberg. It remains exciting to see how the situation develops and what impulses the current initiatives will provide.