Owners and staff in "small commerce" often lack digital skills, creating resistance to online transitioning, seen more as a cost than an investment. Despite public and private initiatives, this mindset hinders sector-wide digital transformation. Success stories and positive experiences, coupled with supportive digital partnerships, are essential to change this perspective. Small businesses and startups in the "small digital" sector offer the needed personalized support. Co-creating and co-designing solutions are crucial for practical, viable outcomes. This approach positions the small digital sector to benefit from the surge in online commerce and evolving consumer habits post-COVID, especially in customer service, cybersecurity, and personalized shopping experiences. Collaborating with small commerce provides insights into diverse needs, fostering innovation across sectors. In a fast-evolving tech landscape, continuous innovation and adaptation are key for growth and competitiveness. This cooperation can unlock new business opportunities, transforming value chains and sectors in response to societal changes.
The EU economy, hit hard by COVID-19, especially in retail, hospitality, and culture, is unlikely to recover before 2024. This crisis, deepened by the rise of online shopping and out-of-town malls, is countered by a shift in consumer behavior favoring local businesses. Studies, including from www.dbk.es and LETZ RETAIL, show increased online shopping, with 61% of consumers preferring to support local businesses online. The University of Gallen predicts online commerce will make up 30% of Europe's retail sales by 2030. LETZ RETAIL ONLINE focuses on helping small businesses in retail, hospitality, and culture go digital. It offers innovative solutions beyond standard large IT provider offerings, emphasizing fast, tailored responses from small digital enterprises and startups. The project bridges small commerce and digital sectors, creating learning programs to equip owners, managers, and staff with digital transformation skills. This initiative aims for cost-effective, efficient, and secure online integration, aligning with consumer trends and economic forecasts.