Due to structural changes, globalisation and digitalisation (e-commerce, m-commerce), trade is subject to constant change. The Austrian Institute for SME Research takes these developments into account by continuously monitoring the business cycle, the structure and economic situation in the retail sector. Many of these analyses are based on the business cycle survey of Austrian retailers carried out by the Institute since 2000.
The publication “The Austrian Retail Trade – Facts, Figures, Analyses” provides the most recent and comprehensive data on trade in Austria and also by retail trade sectors (including selected retail trade industries), wholesale trade and the automobile sector. The compact reference guide in A-5 format is structured as follows: (1) structure of the retail sector, (2) the retail sector as employer, (3) output of the retail sector and (4) the economic situation in the retail sector. In addition, a special topic is dealt with annually (e.g. The retail sector under the influence of Covid-19 Business Demography in the retail sector (2018)). The reports are based on statistical data of well-known institutions (Statistik Austria, Eurostat, etc) as well as recent research results, database analyses and own calculations of the Austrian Institute for SME Research.
The 11th edition of the “E-Commerce-Report Austria 2020” analyses the shopping behaviour of the Austrian population regarding classic mail-order business as well as internet retail-trade. The main indicators are the number of Austrians, who buy via distance selling, expenditures and the development over time. Furthermore, the focus in 2020 is on the development of smartphone-shopping. Voice-Commerce serves a new topic in the study.
The study "E-Commerce-Study Austria 2021" documents the development of mail order and Internet retail shopping. It continues the focus on M-Commerce and examines the topic of returns as part of a thematic block.
Structural change in the stationary retail sector has left clear traces in recent years: The number of retail stores has declined, and concentration trends have increased. The sector mix has changed: Certain sectors are losing significant commercial space (e.g. clothing retail), while other sectors such as food and drugstore retail are increasing their share slightly (in the city center). Particularly retail-related providers (especially restaurants and cafés) are becoming more important in the commercial space mix.
The 11th edition of the “E-Commerce-Report Austria 2019” analyses the shopping behaviour of the Austrian population regarding classic mail-order business as well as internet retail-trade.
Business cycle development in retail trade 2019
Falling profits and rising equity base in the retail sector in the current 2017/18 financial year
The structural analysis of stationary retail trade in Austria carried out annually on behalf of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber - Division Commerce shows a provisional halt to structural change for the analysis year 2018.
The study shows a dynamic in online shopping, a boom in smartphone shopping and a start in voice shopping.
Results of the business cycle survey in retail trade 2018.
More and more consumers buy via the Internet and the number of online shops from Austrian retailers is constantly increasing.
The publication “The Austrian Retail Trade – Facts, Figures, Analyses” provides the most recent and comprehensive data on retail trade in Austria.
The Austrian Entrepreneurial Index (AEI) combines different aspects of self-employment and measures the satisfaction of entrepreneurs.