The retail and wholesale sectors, employing over 26 million people across the European Union, are undergoing profound transformation accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to omnichannel commerce, and evolving sustainability demands. In response, EuroCommerce and UNI Europa, the EU-level social partners, have established a Skills Partnership under the Pact for Skills to boost competitiveness and resilience.

The Partnership identifies key structural challenges: persistent skills shortages, outdated curricula, and a lack of digital infrastructure. It advocates for innovative education solutions, including digital apprenticeships and sustainability training. Addressing these gaps is crucial for preparing employees to work across physical and digital channels and to support the sector's contribution to the sustainability transition.

This Partnership supports a bottom-up approach, engaging stakeholders at European, national, and regional levels to co-create training initiatives. It aims to promote lifelong learning, strengthen vocational and higher education alignment, and ensure employees are equipped with digital, green, and meta skills. Apprenticeships and informal learning play a pivotal role, as do programmes that enhance customer centricity, data literacy, and adaptability to change.

Moreover, the Partnership fosters inclusiveness and equal opportunities, combats discrimination, and seeks to enhance the attractiveness of retail and wholesale sectors. It highlights the sectors’ essential role in rural employment, entrepreneurship, and the broader EU economy.