Independent Retailers: Navigating Economic Turbulence in 2025
Parijs, dinsdag, 1 juli 2025.
The annual Ankostore barometer reveals a concerning trend for independent retailers. As many as 64% are experiencing a tense business climate, an increase of 4 percentage points compared to last year. Price increases have become a survival strategy: 50% raised prices in 2024, while 37% plan further increases in 2025. Geopolitical tensions and declining consumer spending are intensifying challenges. Notably, 59% are considering relocating supply chains to European circuits, while 59% are seeing an increase in shop closures in city centres. Despite these headwinds, 50% of consumers remain loyal to independent shops.
Economic Challenges for Independent Retailers
The economic situation for independent retailers is steadily deteriorating. In 2025, 64% of entrepreneurs report a tense business climate, representing a 4 percentage point increase from the previous year [1]. Survival strategies are diverse but challenging: 50% of retailers have already increased prices in 2024, while 37% plan further price increases for 2025 [1].
Supply Chains and Market Dynamics
Confronted with geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, 59% of independent retailers are considering reorienting their supply chains towards European circuits [1]. This shift is driven by the need for more local and proximate supply strategies. Simultaneously, retailers are observing a worrying trend: 59% are noting an increase in shop closures in city centres, compared to 56% in the previous year [1].
Consumer Behaviour and Future Perspective
Despite economic pressure, 50% of consumers remain loyal to independent shops [1]. However, 36% are shifting towards large-scale distribution, an increase from 28% in 2024 [1]. The impact of inflation is significant: 86% of consumers indicate that price increases influence their purchasing behaviour, with 44% consuming less and 42% searching for the lowest prices [1].