What’s happening in Retail?

The retail industry is currently experiencing significant cost increases. Energy costs and procurement costs have risen sharply. As a result of staff shortages, employees are demanding higher salaries, which also increases personnel costs Furthermore, high inflation is causing landlords to raise rents.

Retailers will only be able to pass on some of the higher costs to consumers. Part of it will therefore be at the expense of the profit margin, which has already been under severe pressure in recent years. It has implications for the financeability and viability of stores and thus for the livability of the neighborhood in which stores are located. What are the consequences of these developments, what are the economic expectations and what trends are visible?

Dirk is active in interpreting trends and developments and making sharp sector analyses.
He is a strategic discussion partner for both companies and colleagues. He does a lot on social media, writes blogs, makes presentations and gives press interviews. Dirk focuses on the Retail and Wholesale sectors at ING. Current themes are energy crisis, climate crisis, large labor market shortages, and skyrocketing inflation.

Mission Impossible

10% net loss on sales, «old-fashioned» image, corona (and much more to come …), falling clothing consumption, FNG debacle, …

Two brothers with no retail experience make a plan, leap and do. A clear mission and strong values guide them in an increasingly challenging environment. Peter reviews the past 2 years, plans a new flag and shares key lessons learned and further challenges.

Peter is, along with brother Kristof, owner and CEO of:

• E5 Fashion
• ANSI|PGT: producer of sustainable jeanswear
• L³ Invest: developing and operating initiatives in the healthcare sector

A family entrepreneur, passionate about really doing things GOOD.

Peter has experience in own companies complemented by banking experience (4 years Chase Manhattan Mergers and Acquisitions) and experience in construction/project development (20 years director Vooruitzicht nv Antwerp)