Webinar ‘European e-commerce opportunities in the time of social distancing’

On May 20 HIDC teamed up with the Invest in Holland network to organize the webinar E-commerce in times of social distancing for companies in America and Asia. During the webinar Sara Lone, head of research at InternetRetailing, a leading news source for online retailers in the US and the UK, shared her view on advances in e-commerce in Europe during and after corona.

The event revealed that the transition from offline to online has accelerated now that people are forced to make their purchases online. She also highlighted the differences between EU countries. Stan de Caluwe then spoke on behalf of HIDC about ways to ensure good service to consumers in different European countries. Desire for a local flavor, good service and short lead times drive US and UK retailers to set up an EU fulfilment center. Participants (approximately 130) gave the webinar rave reviews.

Please find the webinar here.

Please find the presentations here

European e-commerce opportunities in the time of social distancing
The Corona crisis is reshaping the European retail landscape. Consumers are turning to the internet for their lifestyle needs and continue to be demanding. How can you, as a brand, reach those online customers and fulfill online orders efficiently? This webinar took place on May 20, 2020.

Topics:

• Opportunities and challenges in the European e-commerce market
• Common pitfalls for US and UK brands
• Fulfilment models for various product categories
• Ramifications of COVID-19 in the European last mile
• How to deal with VAT
• Stories of success and failure
• Q&A

Speakers:

Sara Lone – Chief Researcher at InternetRetailing
InternetRetailing is the leading title for professionals in multichannel retail and ecommerce across the UK & Europe, providing insight, analysis, in-depth research and events, focused on driving performance in our dynamic sector. Before heading research at InternetRetailing, Sara has led the research group at the Ecommerce Foundation where she has produced insightful reports together with 24 European national e-commerce associations

Stan de Caluwe – Sr. Supply Chain Solutions Manager at Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC)
Holland International Distribution Council (HIDC) is a private, non-profit organization representing the Dutch logistics sector. It comprises 300 member companies, varying from large scale multinational 3rd party logistics companies to smaller, specialised fulfilment providers and professional service providers. Stan helps small and large international brands make a smooth entry into the European market by providing answers to European supply chain challenges. He has assisted approximately 200 U.S. companies in his 5 years at HIDC in the search for the optimal fulfilment set-up.

Presented by Boudewijn Barth, Head of NFIA Southeast USA at Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency

About the Invest in Holland Network
This webinar is offered to you by The Invest in Holland Network, a collaborative team of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, regional economic development agencies and the Holland International Distribution Council (NDL/HIDC). The network works to provide a continuum of free, confidential support services for foreign companies that consider setting up operations to support the European market. Invest in Holland can help you find the right spot for a fulfilment warehouse or the right logistics partners to fulfill online orders in Europe.