This Staff Working Document launched the co-creation process for designing the Transition Pathway for the Retail Ecosystem. It outlines a forward-looking approach to support the retail sector’s transformation towards greater resilience, digitalisation, and sustainability. Developed to collect the views of a wide range of stakeholders, the document identified shared priorities, challenges, and possible actions under five pillars: resilience, digitalisation, greening, skills, and a fair and just transition. Each section included questions for stakeholders to express their views.

The document acknowledges the retail ecosystem's critical role in the EU economy, as a major employer and contributor to the internal market, while highlighting its exposure to global disruptions, inflation, supply chain vulnerabilities, and labour shortages. The consultation aimed to help shape a transition that strengthens competitiveness, supports circular and digital business models, and empowers consumers and workers in the green and digital transition.

In 2023, the Commission organised stakeholder workshops to deepen the discussion. Through this co-creation process, a jointly agreed transition pathway was finalised in early 2024.