Western Europe

Increased economic uncertainty, digitisation of business activities, the need to improve operational efficiency, and stricter regulations encourage companies to review their supply networks and fortify them against the potential risks in the future.…

Belgium ranks high in financial freedom indicators globally fostering positive business growth and expansion. Belgium’s economic stability, high level of R&D, strong infrastructure and abundance of skilled workforce continues to attract foreign…

Thanks to the high level of transparency, efficiency of operating a business, and robust rule-of-law indicators, Finland remains among the global leaders in terms of economic freedom. The country benefits from a highly-educated workforce, low…

Austria’s economic freedom ranking remains high, indicating a competitive business environment. The country’s businesses benefit from economic and political stability, low barriers to trade, a skilled labour force, and high capacity for innovation.…

In Norway, general merchandise stores only includes variety stores, as there are no department stores in the country. In 2020, the channel saw exceptional current value growth as consumers looked for items such as cleaning products when the pandemic…

Heavy tax burden, persisting bureaucracy hurdles and struggles with government finances place Italy among the worst performers in Western Europe in the Economic Freedom ranking. The business environment is also clouded by cumbersome regulatory…

Denmark’s strong infrastructure and neat legal system as well as great conditions for opening a business result in strong business environment. The main economic advantages of the country also include flexible labour regulations and advanced digital…

The world is rapidly evolving due economic, political, geographic and climate changes. This is contributing to a change in consumer’s habit and behaviour as they try to keep pace with these newer developments. Deeper understanding of these changes…

Ongoing depopulation in Greece in 2021-2040 will be driven mainly by natural decrease as birth rates remain low. Ageing will affect consumer trends and add to pressure on state resources. Athens will remain the key consumer market, despite shrinking…

It is important to understand how urbanisation is being driven in emerging markets, and how new suburban developments are occurring in developed markets, what changes in household types and sizes will occur, and how the modern home will evolve,…