Consumer Goods and Retail

AI and Automation: The Future of Commerce.

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The world of consumer goods and commerce is constantly in flux, shaped by a variety of trends that influence consumer behavior and market dynamics. From the increasing importance of sustainability to the integration of AI and automation, the range of developments presents businesses with new challenges and opportunities.

As consumers increasingly prefer sustainable products and services, companies face the challenge of adapting to this demand while remaining competitive. Artificial intelligence and automation are playing an increasingly significant role in both personalizing customer experiences and optimizing operational processes. The integration of omnichannel strategies and the use of data analytics will be crucial in meeting the ever-changing requirements of consumers.

On the Rise: Regenerative Business Models

In an era where sustainability plays a dominant role, regenerative business models and sustainable subscription models are gaining importance. The trend towards the 'new local' shows that diversity and variety are also sought after in physical retail. Meanwhile, online commerce is not only getting faster but also higher quality and more sustainable. Zero Waste Design and Sustainable AI are examples of innovative approaches that help companies operate more sustainably while remaining competitive.

Retail in Transition: Ignore Omnichannel and Personalization at Your Own Risk!
Jan Ulrik Holsten, Partner and Head of the Berlin Office View Jan Ulrik Holsten´s Profile

Solutions for the Future of Retail

Despite the myriad of opportunities arising from current trends, companies also face numerous challenges. The increasing price pressure in the FMCG sector requires clear positioning and differentiation of branded products from private labels. Simultaneously, retailers must find the balance between attractive prices and relevant margin contributors to secure their profitability. Integrating omnichannel strategies and personalizing customer experiences require significant investments in technology and infrastructure. However, for retailers, this is also an opportunity to stand out from the competition and build a more loyal customer base. It allows companies to respond more flexibly to changing consumer needs and provide a consistent, personalized shopping experience that encourages customers to return repeatedly.

From AI to Data Analytics: Solutions for Commerce

To successfully meet the challenges of the changing market, it is crucial to develop innovative solutions and test new business models. By leveraging data analytics, AI, and other technologies, companies can gain a deeper understanding of their customers and enable personalized interactions in real time. This can strengthen customer loyalty, increase conversion rates, and ultimately lead to higher revenue.

From the integration of AI and automation to the use of data analytics and omnichannel strategies, there are numerous approaches that can help companies operate sustainably while staying competitive.

In a time of constant change, it is crucial to be flexible and adaptable and to develop innovative solutions that enable companies to meet the evolving demands of the market. From developing sustainable business models to integrating AI and automation, we offer tailored solutions that can help companies secure long-term success.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you prepare your business for the challenges and opportunities of the changing consumer goods and commerce sector.

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Latest Perspectives on Consumer Goods and Retail

Dr. Stefan Frings, Partner und Head of Strategy bei enomyc

A leased bike instead of a company car, an e-bike tour instead of a cruise, a bike instead of an SUV: cycling has become a lifestyle, and the trend shows no sign of slowing. A look around the booths at EUROBIKE 2024 makes it clear: the bikes of the future are lighter, smarter and more stylish than ever — but above all, more electrified and longer-range. In 2023, e-bikes outsold mechanical bicycles for the first time. Financing options have expanded too, with bike leasing and bike-sharing now firmly established. And yet the industry has, for years, moved through tight cycles of boom and bust. While the high-end and lifestyle segment is currently thriving, retailers overall are battling fierce price wars, job cuts and even store closures. Why is that? How does innovation work in uncertain times? And what can the ROSE Bikes case teach us — both commercially and personally? An expert interview with Dr. Stefan Frings.

Despina Borelidis

The International Furniture and Interior Design Fair (imm) in Cologne is the industry's annual high mass. But instead of celebrating its own successes alongside new trends, as in previous years, there was little sign of a party atmosphere last week. Quite the opposite: according to official figures from the associations, the turnover of furniture manufacturers and retailers fell by 5 to 7 per cent last year, with a drop of almost 12 per cent for living room, dining room and bedroom furniture. Six out of ten manufacturers are working short-time. enomyc industry expert Marc Fahrig spoke to Jan Kurth, Managing Director of the German Furniture Industry Association (VDM/VHK) and Markus Meyer, President of the German Furniture and Kitchens Trade Association, about the causes of the crisis, current priorities and new opportunities . [1]

Marc Fahrig

While Germany is busy sewing fabric masks at home, closed stores, interrupted supply chains, staff cuts, and declining purchasing power are bringing the fashion market to its knees. Even before the coronavirus crisis, however, the fashion industry was in a critical state. Which mistakes from the past are now falling at the feet of fashion companies? It’s time for the fashion industry to take a close look in the mirror, say Dr. Christian Gerloff of Gerloff Liebler Rechtsanwälte and Dr. Michael Meister, director at enomyc. What will stationary retail look like in the future? Which hurdles will the fashion industry have to overcome, and how should medium-sized companies take advantage of the industry consolidation now? Learn more in our expert interview.

Despina Borelidis

Strategy & Corporate Performance

Higher Margin Despite Pandemic?

The rules for successfully marketing products and services in B2B business have changed significantly in recent years. Digitization has not only changed the purchasing behavior of buyers, it has also opened up completely new and very promising marketing and sales processes.

Jan U. Holsten

Interview mit Marketing- und Vertriebsexperte Peter Klein

The obsession with a long and healthy life is fueling boom after boom in the healthcare industry. Vitamins, supplements, and nootropics. Dietary foods for muscle building and weight loss. Herbal medicines for prevention and recovery—all available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and drugstores. While some pharmaceutical manufacturers are thriving in this market, others struggle to remain relevant. Where do they fall short? "I've never seen an OTC company in crisis due to a lack of pharmaceutical or product expertise," says marketing and sales expert Peter Klein. "What most lack is digital know-how and digital marketing expertise." Klein holds a degree in business administration with a focus on marketing and sales. He studied in Cologne and Trier and has held executive positions in consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies. Today, he advises OTC producers as a consultant and interim manager. What makes OTC products truly relevant? Why should pharmaceutical manufacturers view themselves as customer-centric companies? And how is "Insta Health" transforming the OTC industry? Fresh insights and actionable recommendations—read the full interview below.

Despina Borelidis

Mario Trapp, Partner und Head of Strategy

Skepticism and reservations, fascination and anticipation: no matter how you feel about AI – you are certainly not alone. No wonder, says Mario Trapp. After all, AI is a pioneering technology. It gives rise to tangible changes. And it provokes. Even myths: “We’re in the SME sector here. AI is too far removed from what we do at the core," is one assumption. A false one, says Trapp. As a Partner in Restructuring & Transformation and Head of Digital Strategy, he has been observing the technological developments of AI for quite some time. His world? Big data and data analysis. His industries? Many – primarily owner-managed companies. How does he himself apply AI in business? Should companies already be hiring Chief AI Officers? And which AI developments make even him uneasy? Get to know our new partner. And how to improve your prompts.

Despina Borelidis

Künstliche Intelligenz im Mittelstand

Disruptive technologies such as genAI are becoming increasingly important in the business world. This presents the upper midmarket segment with the challenge of not only understanding these technologies as a trend, but also applying them in practice in order to best increase efficiency and innovative capacity. Concerns that the barriers to entry are too high for SMEs are unfounded, says head of innovation at enomyc and author, Franz Wenzel. A certain amount of preparation and training is essential, however, a strategy for AI integration that has been worked out down to the last detail is not necessary from the get go. He is convinced that two factors are much more decisive: Understanding. And time.

Franz Wenzel

Circular Economy, Dr. Stefan Frings

Strategy & Corporate Performance

Why the Circular Economy Is the Answer

Reduce, reuse, recycle: How can the shift to a circular economy succeed? And who is already getting it right? An interview with Dr. Stefan Frings.

Despina Borelidis

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