FIRA Member Directory

Australia


Australian Retailers Association

Since 1903, the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) has been the peak industry body representing Australia’s $258 billion retail sector which employs over 1.2 million people. The ARA ensures retail success by informing, protecting, advocating, educating and saving money for its 5,000 independent and national retail members throughout Australia.

Australian Retailers Association
Level 1, 112 Wellington Parade
East Melbourne VIC 3002
AUSTRALIA
Tel: +1300 368 041
Fax: +(03) 8660 3399
Email: info@retail.org.au
Web: www.retail.org.au

LFRA - Large Format Retail Association

Our vision is clear – to encourage, develop and foster awareness of and relationships within the large format retail industry in Australia. The Large Format Retail Association (LFRA) (formerly known as the Bulky Goods Retailers Association (BGRA) was established in 1999 as an incorporated association when large format retailing was emerging as a strong and distinct force in Australia’s retail landscape.  On 1st July 2008 the BGRA was converted to a company limited by guarantee, and entity better suited to representing the industry on an Australian wide basis.  On 22nd August 2013 the Association’s Constitution was amended to change its name to the Large Format Retail Association (LFRA).

Today the LFRA is regarded as the national peak body representing the interests of large format retailers, investors, owners, developers and service suppliers in Australia.  Our membership consists of some of the nation’s largest and most respected brands and we belong to the fastest growing sector of the retail industry in the country.

Today bulky goods sales accounts for a massive $59.9 billion or 20.2% of all retail sales in Australia.  Our contribution to employment, economic growth and investment is crucial.  This is reinforced by the fact that direct employment by large format retailers exceeds a massive 183,183 people directly and 216,769 people indirectly.

Large Format Retail Association
PO Box 78, Balwyn North Vic 3104
AUSTRALIA
Tel: 03 9859 5000
Email: info@lfra.com.au
Web: www.lfra.com.au

NORA (National Online Retailers Association)

NORA is the Voice of New Retail in Australia. A forward facing and progressive industry collective advocating for a technology led retail, a customer centric retail, and an increasingly global and borderless retail. NORA is a catalyst for collaboration, hosting a number of retail deep dives, eCommerce Expeditions, thought leadership social network lunches and other industry gatherings. NORA also has a powerful mentorship program, the NORA Talent Network which connects industry leaders and experts with NORA members.

NORA
Level 12, Tower 1
495 Victoria Ave
Chatwood NSW 2067
Tel: +61 02 9422 2288
Web: www.nora.org.au

Austria


Austrian Retail Association

The Austrian Retail Association/Handelsverband is the spokesman and partner of the Austrian retail companies since 1921 and is active as a political independent advocacy group and innovation platform in order to accompany its members in the context of changing market challenges. In addition to its members, which generate more than 50 Billion Euros annually with more than 400.000 employees at 20.000 locations all over Austria, numerous companies of various specializations are associated with the Austrian Retails Association as partners.

The association's portfolio includes several innovative industry congresses, for example the discussion-format [trade] zone, the Business Breakfast “Good morning retail”, the RETAIL magazine, the publication of studies and the Austrian Retail Association Akademie. Specialized departments, so called Circles, with more than 20 meetings per year provide know-how and offer members the opportunity to exchange information in a structured way. The online platform SME RETAIL offers all Austrian retail companies’ expertise, trading data and legal certainty.

The Import Information Hub Austria is the forum for domestic importers and international exporters. With the seal of approval Trustmark Austria, the Austrian Retail Association sets standards and promotes consumers sense of quality and trust in eCommerce.

Retail Austria
Alserstraße 45/4a
1080 Vienna
Austria
Email: office@handelsverband.at
Website: www.handelsverband.at

Belgium

Comeos

Comeos represents the commerce and services in Belgium, covering retail and wholesale, in the food and non-food sector. Nearly all chains both national and international operating in Belgium are members of Comeos.

Comeos
Avenue Ed. Van Nieuwenhuyselaan, 8
Oudergem - 1160 - Auderghem 
BELGIUM
Tel: +32-2-788-05-02
Fax: +32-2-788-05-03
Email: dominique.michel@comeos.be
Web: www.comeos.be

Ecommerce Europe

Ecommerce Europe is the sole voice of the European Digital Commerce sector. As a result of joining forces with EMOTA, Ecommerce Europe now represents, via its 24 national associations, more than 150,000 companies selling goods and services online to consumers in Europe. Ecommerce Europe acts at European level to help legislators create a better framework for online merchants, so that their sales can grow further.

Ecommerce Europe
Twitter: @Ecommerce_EU
LinkedIn: @Ecommerce Europe
Email: Luca Cassetti, Secretary General and Wijnand Jongen, President
Website: www.ecommerce-europe.eu

EuroCommerce

EuroCommerce is the principal European organisation representing the retail and wholesale sector. It embraces national associations in 31 countries and 5.4 million companies, both leading multinational retailers such as Carrefour, Ikea, Metro and Tesco, and many small family operations. Retail and wholesale provide a link between producers and 500 million European consumers over a billion times a day. It generates 1 in 7 jobs, providing a varied career for 29 million Europeans, many of them young people. It also supports millions of further jobs throughout the supply chain, from small local suppliers to international businesses. EuroCommerce is the recognised European social partner for the retail and wholesale sector.

Its mission is to:

  • Bring together a broad diversity of associations and companies under one roof
  • Inform about EU policy and legislation
  • Advocate with a unified voice for policy and legislative outcomes in line with what we stand for
  • Communicate about contribution of commerce to society and the European economy

EuroCommerce stands for fair, competitive and sustainable retail and wholesale in Europe.

EuroCommerce
Avenue des Nerviens 85
1040 Brussels
BELGIUM
Tel: +32-2-737-05-98
Email: guedes@eurocommerce.eu
Web: www.eurocommerce.eu

Bolivia


Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism (CAINCO)

The Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism of Santa Cruz - CAINCO, is a trade organization which brings together industrial, commercial, services and tourism, legally established in the department of Santa Cruz. CAINCO represents the business sector to promote the development, competitiveness, protection and defense of the interests of business, while contributing to economic and social development.

Chamber of Industry, Commerce, Services and Tourism (CAINCO)
Centro Empresarial TORRE CAINCO
Avenida Las Américas No. 7
Casilla de Correo 180
Santa Cruz de la Sierra
BOLIVIA
Tel: +(591-3) 3334555
Fax: +(591-3) 3342353
Email: cainco@cainco.org.bo
Web: www.cainco.org.bo

Brazil


Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption – SBVC

In recent years the Brazilian retail sector has been protagonist of economic growth and job creation. This "leadership" has brought challenges for the sector. More knowledge, more numbers and statistics, greater political representation, and a constant search for productivity has been essential factors for the development of national retailers. From the mobilization of executives and contractors for various retail segments, as well as scholars and researchers in the industry, it was designed to SBVC, being open, non-profit, multi-sectoral and complementary role to other retail trade associations. SBVC was formed for the purpose of contributing to the increased retail competitiveness by bringing content and market studies, promoting networking between retailers executives from all segments and promoting social actions.

Brazilian Society of Retail and Consumption – SBVC
Av. Paulista, 491, 12th.
São Paulo SP 01311-000
Brazil
Tel: +55-11-2397-0022
Email: eduardoterra@sbvc.com.br
Web: www.sbvc.com.br

Brazilian Association of Commercial Automation (AFRAC)

Afrac, a multisectoral association, was founded in 1987 and covers the commercial automation for the Brazilian retail industry.  Headquartered in São Paulo, Afrac represents members from many states in the country. The most important segments that the association represents are: hardware manufacturers, soft houses, distributors, dealers, service companies, thermal paper manufacturers, thermal paper converters, RFID companies, mobility and retailers.

Afrac is managed by an executive team chaired by the president Araquen Pagotto.  Afrac is the premier entity intermediating with the government and its members.  In addition to that, Afrac has an important role promoting the national and international technologies in the country through the biggest fair in Latin America, the Autocom.

AFRAC
Av. Fagundes Filho, 145 | 9° Andar | Conj. 90
Edifício Austin Office Center
Vila Monte Alegre
São Paulo | SP
Tel: 55 – 11 – 3284 – 7080
Email: comunicacao2@afrac.org.br
Web:  www.afrac.org.br

Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF)

The Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF) is a nonprofit organization created in 1987 with the goal to contribute, develop and excel in the technical and institutional development of the franchising system. ABF has established itself as the industry representative body with the Brazilian government, authorities and official bodies. Furthermore, there are over 800 associate members, including franchisors, franchisees, consultants and service providers.

ABF is committed to helping Brazilian chains expand their operations abroad. The organization maintains relationships with leading international franchise associations and participates in major events abroad, in order to demonstrate the strength of the Brazilian franchise. It is associated with IFA - International Franchise Association, with whom it maintains a bilateral cooperation agreement and the FIAF – Ibero American Franchise Federation, whose Secretary-General for the 2010/11 biennium is ABF Executive Director, Ricardo Camargo, who holds the office for the second consecutive term. It is also a member of WFC - World Franchise Council where, as of March 2009, Ricardo Camargo and the entity's Legal Director, Luiz Henrique do Amaral took on the Executive Secretariat for the 2009/10 biennium.

Brazilian Franchise Association (ABF)
Av. das Nações Unidas, 10.989 11th Floor, cj. 112
São Paulo SP 04578-000
BRAZIL
Tel: +55-11-3020-8800
Fax: +55 11-3020-8802
Email: suzana.silva@abf.com.br
Web: www.abf.com.br

Confederação Nacional de Dirigentes Lojistas

The Confederação Nacional de Dirigentes Lojistas (CNDL) represents the retail, most important sector of national economy, which employs five million people and handles nearly $300 billion per year, in addition to being present in all districts in the country. The organization is structured in 27 Brazilian states, 1587 Boards of Directors Tenants (CDLs) in cities and more than 780 thousand members in points-of-sale. It is the maintainer of the Credit Protection Service (CPS), a database of cadastral information with consumers and businesses, which holds 300 million annual consultations. Headquartered in Brasilia, the CNDL is chaired by businessman Roque Pellizzaro Junior, graduated in economics and law. 

The storekeeper movement has half a century of history and its trajectory over corporate interests in trade. The political and economic agenda of the Confederation coincides with the agenda of sustainable development of the nation, particularly the tax and labor reforms, which would enhance the growth of the economy, creating jobs, opportunities to undertake and higher quality of life for the people. 

Strategic issues to make the consume relations more fair are priorities of CNDL - such as the approval of the check law, the regulation of electronic payments (credit cards and debit cards) and the adoption of a positive record (a database that shows the history of the paying consumers). It has the important support of the Joint Parliamentary Front of the Retail Commerce (FPMCV), with 209 federal deputies and 27 senators.

Confederação Nacional de Dirigentes Lojistas (CNDL)
SRTVN Quadra 701
Centro Empresarial Norte-Bloco B Sala 337
Brasília DF 70719-900
BRAZIL
Tel: +55-61-3213-2000
Fax: +55-61-3213-2009
Email: presidencia@cndl.org.br
Web: www.cndl.org.br

IDV – Brazilian Retail Development Institute

The Brazilian Retail Development Institute was founded in 2004 by the most important retailers in Brazil and represents different retail segments with operation in the whole country. The Institute's purposes are to contribute for the economy growth as well as propose conditions for the national retail growth in order to increase sales, results and employment.

The founders believe that the retail industry needs to strengthen the relationship with the government authorities, suppliers and the society. Therefore we support the initiatives that allow the improvement among the different retail industries. Among all the activities is to discuss the Tax, Labourist and the Union Reforms.

The IDV members represent 25% of the Brazilian retail sales. There are 9,450 stores and 385,000 employees. Total estimated sales are US$ 50 billion. The Institute counts with the technical support of all members and specialized consultants. The events, studies, researches and workshops enhance and update the retail information nationally and internationally.

The IDV members are: Bob´s, C&A, C&C Casa e Construção, Carrefour, Casas Bahia, Drogasil, Decathlon, DPaschoal, Fnac, Grupo Dimed-Panvel, Grupo Pão de Açúcar, Insinuante, Itapuã Calçados, Leo Madeiras, Leroy Merlin, Livraria Cultura, Livraria Saraiva, Lojas Renner, Lojas Riachuelo, Lojas Marisa, Magazine Luiza, O Boticário, Pernambucanas, Ponto Frio, Quero-Quero Casa e Construção, Ráscal, Ri Happy, Telhanorte, Tok&Stok, Wal-Mart e Gouvêa de Souza&MD.

Instituto para Desenvolvimento
do Varejo (IDV)
Av. Paulista, 171 - 4° andar - Paraíso
São Paulo SP 01311-000
BRAZIL
Tel: +55-11-3251-1936
Fax: +55 11-3405-6609
Email: fabiola@idv.org.br
Web: www.idv.org.br

The Brazilian Ecommerce Association (ABComm)

The Brazilian Ecommerce Association (ABComm), has over 8,000 members and is one of the most representative ecommerce organizations in Latin America. ABComm is an active voice to help promote public politics, foster digital entrepreneurship, develop ecommerce across borders, represent its members and defend the interests of ecommerce in Brazil. ABComm organizes over 80 events per year with more than 22,000 attendees.

The Brazilian Ecommerce Association
Avenida Paulista, 1.776, 4th floor
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
Email: contato@abcomm.com.br
Website: www.abcomm.org

Canada


Le Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD)

For over 35 years now, the Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD) has been representing the retail community sector of Québec.  It pursues its mission by representing and promoting the sector, as well as defending the whole retail community with regards to government agencies and various authorities, thus addressing all major issues on a timely basis. Communication wise, the CQCD is actively present and visible in both traditional as well as social media. On a yearly basis, it is also the host of two major events held annually and comprised of two full days each, rich in content on key subject matters for retailers, attracting over seventy high caliber key note speakers, eighty exhibitors, and more than 1250 participants. Those are HoP le Sommet annuel du commerce de détail held in March and the eCommerce-Québec event in October.

The CQCD also offers a wide range of benefits to its members in collaboration with key partners. More specifically, membership comes with substantial discounts on various commodity services, weekly press releases, over ten surveys and researches every year, periodic issues of our electronic newsletter “Détail express” as well as a subscription to the magazine “Le détaillant”.

Le Conseil québécois du commerce de détail (CQCD)
630, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, suite 300
Montréal (Québec) H3A 1E4
CANADA
Tel: +1-514-842-6681
Fax: +1-514-842-7627
Email: sdrouin@cqcd.org
Website: www.cqcd.org

Retail Council of Canada

Retail Council of Canada (RCC) has been the Voice of Retail in Canada since 1963.  We speak for an industry that touches the daily lives of Canadians in every corner of the country – by providing jobs, career opportunities, and by investing in the communities we serve. RCC is a not-for-profit, industry-funded association representing more than 40,000 store fronts of all retail formats across Canada, including department, specialty, discount, and independent stores, and online merchants.

RCC is a strong advocate for retailing in Canada and works with all levels of government and other stakeholders to support employment growth and career opportunities in retail, to promote and sustain retail investments in communities from coast-to-coast, and to enhance consumer choice and industry competitiveness.  RCC also provides its members with a full range of services and programs including education and training, benchmarking and best practices, networking, advocacy, and industry information.

Retail Council of Canada
1255 Bay St., Ste. 800
Toronto ON M5R 2A9
CANADA
Tel: +1-416-922-6678
Fax: +1-416-922-8011
Email: djbrisebois@retailcouncil.org
Web: www.retailcouncil.org

China


China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA)

China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA) is the official representative of retailing & franchise industry in China. Currently, there are more than 1000 enterprise members with over 300,000 outlets, including domestic & foreign-invested retailers, franchisers, suppliers, and relevant organizations. The total sale of CCFA retail members (franchise and food service not included) was around 3 trillion CNY in 2016, accounting for 10% of the entire social consumables retail sales.

CCFA participates in policy making and coordination and safeguard the interests of industry and members, and provides a series of professional trainings and industry information and data for our members and establishes platforms for communication and cooperation.

Our members include famous Chinese local retailers andE-commerce companies, such as GOME, SUNING and JD.com. Franchisors and well-known international brands with their legal entities in China are also our partners, such as Wal-Mart, Carrefour, Amazon and B&Q.

China Chain Store& Franchise Association (CCFA)
Room 811, Foreign Economic& Trade Plaza, No., 22Fuchengmenwai STR.
Beijng 100037
CHINA
Tel: +86-10-6878 4942;+86-10-68784935
Fax: +86-10-68784939
Email: chn@ccfa.org.cnKevin.Peng@ccfa.org.cn
Web: www.ccfa.org.cn

China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC)

China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), established in 1994, is the country’s national-level social group representing enterprises, public institutions, organizations and individuals in commodity production, circulation, catering and life service industry. The non-profit chamber owns over hundreds of thousands of members, such as Alibaba, Wanda, Wumart, Suning, etc. CGCC contains 13 departments, 31 subsidiary institutions, 1 second-tier organization and 2 investment companies. What’s more, it manages 14 enterprises & public institutions; 40 industrial associations, research societies and promotion councils.

CGCC provides business guidance for Chinese enterprises, conducts investigation and research on the problems of relevant industries, and assists government in the policymaking. Meanwhile, the chamber convenes business events, like conventions, forums, exhibitions and B2B match-making sessions for its members, helps Chinese enterprises explore international market, and offers business information such as market statistics, market outlook and business strategy.

China General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC)
No.46,Dongsi west St., Dongcheng District,.
Beijing 100711
China
Tel: +86-10-65133322-1532
Fax: +86-10-85295016
Email: liu.yongbo@cgcc.org.cn
Web: www.cgcc.org.cn

Denmark


The Danish Chamber of Commerce – DANSK ERHVERV

The Danish Chamber of Commerce – DANSK ERHVERV is one of the largest professional business or­ganizations in Denmark with more than 200 employees, offices in the three ma­jor Danish cities, and an EU office in Brussels. The Chamber represents 17.000 Danish companies and 100 trade associations in service sectors such as wholesale and retail, tourism, business services, IT, welfare services and transport.

THE DANISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BØRSEN
DK - 1217 KØBENHAVN K
Tel: +45 3374 6000
Fax: +45 3374 6080
Email: INFO@DANSKERHVERV.DK
Web: WWW.DANSKERHVERV.DK

Dubai


Retail Business Group

31st Floor, Single Business Tower
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay Area
P.O. Box 261873
Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Email: info@retailbusinessgroup.com

Finland


Finnish Commerce Federation

The Finnish Commerce Federation is a nationwide lobbying organisation whose mission is to promote Finnish commerce and improve the operating conditions for companies in the sector. The Federation has approximately 2,300 corporate members, and 26 member associations. Including the corporate members of these member associations, the Finnish Commerce Federation encompasses approximately 7,000 companies operating in commerce.

Commerce is the largest employer in the private sector in Finland. It provides jobs for nearly 300,000 persons. Commerce plays a particularly important role in the employment of young people; one in five people under the age of 25 works in the field of commerce.

The Finnish Commerce Federation raises awareness of the sector and contribute to strengthening the position of commerce and the service sector in Finland’s economic life. The Federation negotiates the most extensive collective agreement in the private sector. It develops commerce-related research, training and communications and promotes international cooperation in the sector. In addition, it exerts influence on legislation both at the national and the EU levels in order to promote competition and decrease regulation that complicates business operations.

Finnish Commerce Federation
Eteläranta 10
P.O. Box 340
Helsinki 00131
FINLAND
Tel: +358 (0)9- 172 850
Email: kauppa@kauppa.fi
Web: www.kauppa.fi

France


Federation des Enterprises du Commerce et de la Distribution (FCD)

The Business Federation of Trade and Distribution, FCD, includes trade companies specialized in food or dominance. The Federation represents and defends the general and common interests of its members and represents them with public authorities, national or European economic and social institutions, official or private. It explores issues common to all or several of its members, and provides documentation and information professionals. 

Federation des Enterprises du Commerce et de la Distribution(FCD)
12 rue Euler
75008 Paris 
FRANCE
Tel: +33-1-44-43-99-00
Fax: +33-1-47-20-53-53
Email: creyssel@fecd.eu 
Web: www.fcd.asso.fr

International Association of Department Stores (IADS)

IADS is the most exclusive and oldest professional department stores think tank in the world. It gathers a group of 12 members across the world, with various sizes or business models, all leaders or key players in their respective markets, which represents more than €31bn cumulated annual turnover, achieved through more than 490 stores with 233,000 associates in 19 countries.

The wide variety of business models and cultures represented provide the Association and its members with a richness in the exchange which is all the more valuable for the solutions and thought-provoking debates that it generates. Its uniqueness lies in the close relationship between its member CEOs, making it a very powerful asset for decision-making at the highest level, and operational implementation.

IADS acts at different levels and aims to be operational through transformative meetings, focused market knowledge, promotion of cooperation and future orientation, and new technological initiatives reserved to our members aiming at facilitating their internal processes and share information.

Members include: Beco (Venezuela), Beijing Hualian Group (PRC), Breuninger (Germany), El Corte Inglés (Spain), El Palacio de Hierro (Mexico), Falabella (Chile), Galeries Lafayette (France), Lifestyle International Holding (Hong Kong), Magasin du Nord (Denmark), Manor (Switzerland), The Mall (Thailand), and SM Store (Philippines).

International Association of Department Stores (IADS)
11-13 rue Guersant
75017 Paris
France
Tel: +33 1 42 94 02 02
Email: Smohandas@iads.org
Web: www.iads.org

Germany


bevh - German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association

The German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association (bevh) was established in 1947 with the aim of a) representing the interests of its members with regard to legal legislation and institutional bodies and of b) providing information and counselling and creating the structures necessary for a dialogue amongst its members. Currently it has a dynamically growing membership of large and small distance selling companies using the sales channels internet, catalogue, direct sales and TV. They include both firms with a very narrow product range and others with 100,000 articles and more in their inventory. Statistically there are more specialists than general retailers. German distance selling (goods) aggregate turnover is 78 billion EUR in 2017.

The association represents its members in a number of ways: at parliament in discussions on preparing new laws and regulations, in asserting German interests at the European level in legal matters, and by negotiating with important Service Providers such as Google or Deutsche Post DHL. The association maintains close contacts with the German Bundestag, with various associations at home and abroad and via the European Multichannel and Online-Traders' Association (EMOTA) to the institutions of the European Union.

Bevh e.V.
Friedrichstraße 60
10117 Berlin
+49(0)30 2061 385 0
Web: www.bevh.org

EHI Retail Institute

EHI is a research, training and consultancy institute for the retail industry and its partners. The international EHI-Retail-Network covers around 500 Member-Companies. EHI was founded in 1951. Managing Directors are Michael Gerling and Prof. Prof. E.h. (RUS) Dr. Bernd Hallier. EHI is a 50%-shareholder in GS1 Germany. They coordinate the European EAN in Germany. In cooperation with EHI the Messe Düsseldorf organises EuroShop, the world's largest trade fair for capital goods for the retail industry, and EuroCIS, showing the latest products, solutions and trends in IT and security.

EHI Retail Institute 
Spichernstr. 55 
50672 Köln 
Germany 
Tel: +49-221-579-93-50 
Fax: +49-221-579-93-46 
Email: Gerling@ehi.org 
Web: www.ehi.org

Handelsverband Deutschland, HDE (German Retail Federation)

For nearly 100 years the German Retail Federation (HDE) has been the overarching organization of the German retail sector, which consists of about 410,000 independent companies with a total of 2.7 million employees and a yearly turnover of more than 550 billion Euros. Retail trade is the third biggest economic sector in Germany, after industry and the crafts. The German Retail Federation has 100,000 business members from all sectors, locations and sizes, which together produce more than 250 billion Euros turnover a year.

The HDE head office is located in Berlin and represents the needs and interests of the whole retail sector. HDE is the legitimate voice of the sector vis-à-vis national and EU-level politics, other business sectors, the media and the public. HDE is an active member of more than 60 national and international organizations. In its role as leading retail umbrella organization, HDE supports individual companies in all professional subject matters. It provides and safeguards the voice and place which the retail sector deserves due to its economic significance.

HDE fulfils its tasks as umbrella organisation of the German retail business supported by its regional and sectoral pillars. At the regional level the German Retail Federation works with 14 State (German Länder) retail associations, 70 regional retail associations, 26 professional trade associations at federal level, and around 100 professional trade associations at State (German Länder) level.

Handelsverband Deutschland, HDE
(German Retail Federation) 
Am Weidendamm 1A
10117 Berlin
GERMANY 
Tel: +49 30 72 62 50 65 
Fax: +49 30 72 62 50 69
Email: hde@einzelhandel.de
Web: www.einzelhandel.de

Greece


 Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE)

ESEE FIRA

The Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) is the organization representing the community of Hellenic Commerce, as well as SMEs at both domestic and international level. ESEE’s members include 14 national commerce federations, 307 commercial associations and leading retail and wholesale companies, representing specific sectors of commerce in the country. ESEE is the voice for 232 thousand retail wholesale companies in Greece which count for 32,2% of all enterprises, employ almost 700 thousand people (29,5% of total employment) and contribute to gross added value by 22,7%. The overall impact of the retail and wholesale services sector on the Greek economy points out that commerce is the most crucial sector for Greece, both in terms of economic size as well as in terms of societal impact.

ESEE five main tasks in giving SMEs a voice at national and European level.

  • Bringing the retail and wholesale companies together;
  • Representing the interests of SMEs towards the Hellenic Government, European Institutions and other stakeholders at national and European level and in the Social Dialogue;
  • Advocating for Hellenic and EU legislation and policies in line with what we stand for;
  • Monitoring the Hellenic and the EU policy and legislative process and keeping our members informed on all matters of the Hellenic economy and the European Union policy of relevance to SMEs;
  • Communicating about the powerful role of commerce in the Hellenic economy and how companies live by what we stand for.

Hellenic Confederation of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE)
42 Mitropoleos Street, 
Athens, Greece 10563
Tel: (+30) 6977 199018
Email: milpanag@esee.gr 
Web: https://esee.gr/en/
 

India


Retailers Association of India (RAI)

RAI is the unified voice of Indian retailers working to create an environment that will support the growth of the modern retail industry in India. RAI is the body that encourages, develops, facilitates, and supports retailers to become modern and adopt best practices that will delight customers. The three main goals of RAI are retail development, facilitation and propagation. 

Retailers Association of India (RAI)
111 /112 Ascot Centre, Near Hotel ITC Maratha,
Sahar Road, Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 099
CIN: U91990MH2005GAP151959
Tel: 022-28269527 - 29

Email: kumar@rai.net.in / info@rai.net.in
Website: www.rai.net.in

Ireland


Retail Excellence Ireland

Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) is the largest retail industry trade body in Ireland. REI is a not for profits organisation which invests in innovative and exciting learning, market intelligence, commercial services, awards, Government representation and member networking initiatives. Retail Excellence Ireland involves over 1,000 leading retail companies who operate over 11,000 stores in the Irish market.

Our members are the most progressive and innovative retail operators in the marketplace. We make every effort to deliver activity which is wholeheartedly based on member requirements. REI is best known for the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards which annually celebrates the best retail companies, stores people and websites in the Republic of Ireland.

Retail Excellence Ireland
1 Barrack Street
Ennis, Co. Clare 
IRELAND
Tel: +353 65 68 46927
Fax: +353 65 68 92451
Email: duncan@retailexcellence.ie
Web: www.retailexcellence.ie

Italy


Netcomm

Netcomm, the Italian ecommerce Consortium, is the reference point for ecommerce and digital retailing at national and international level. Established in 2005, Netcomm includes among its members over 300 companies representing both international corporations and small- and medium-sized enterprises which are flagships of Italian excellence. The Consortium aims to promote the spreading of ecommerce and the digital evolution of companies, thus generating value across the entire value chain and consumers. Netcomm is co-founder of Ecommerce Europe, the European Association of E-commerce.

The main areas where Netcomm is committed are: studies and researches on the e-commerce market; business events and workshops; working groups that analyze the e-commerce market from an economic and legal point of view, interfacing with national and international authorities through lobbying activities; legal, fiscal and business support to associated companies; communication and training activities on national basis; internationalization projects for Italian companies; initiatives for consumers to promote digital literacy and to assist them in their online purchases, such as through Netcomm Seal, a tool that identify reliable e-shops.

Via Chiaravalle, 8 - 20122 Milano
Email: segreteria@consorzionetcomm.it
Website: https://www.consorzionetcomm.it/

Retail Institute ITALY

Retail Institute Italy offers its members the possibility, through generalized or customized content, to stay updated on the retail world.

The Association operates as an information center and a dedicated search service for collecting and collating experiences and academic skills, expertise and operating know-how within the Retail Marketing. The content's offer is divided in three levels, with growing active participation from its members:

  • First level: Information, through the website, the press, the Virtual Library;
  • Second level: Events and training, through conferences, training courses and seminars;
  • Third level: Insights, with special activities for our members

Retail Institute ITALY
Foro Buonaparte 12
20121 MILANO
ITALY
Tel: +39 2 760 16 405
Fax: +39 2 760 29 777
Email: m.zanardi@retailinstitute.it
Web: www.retailinstitute.it

Japan


Japan Retailers Association

In May 1978, the Japan Retailers Association (JRA) was proposed and established by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other retail-related organizations such as the Japan Department Stores Association and Japan Chain Stores Association with the objective of contributing to the improvement of life through steady advancement and development of the retail industry in Japan.

Membership consists of corporations and individuals in the retail industry, retail-related organizations and corporations, and individuals in non-retail industries, including product manufacturers, trading companies, wholesalers, restaurants, service industries, developers, financial institutions, and others which support the view of JRA.

Japan Retailers Association
Tosho Bldg., 2-2
Marunouchi 3-Chome Chiyoda-Ku
Tokyo 100-0005
JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-3283-7920
Fax: +81-3-3215-7698
Email: hirose@japan-retail.or.jp
Web: www.japan-retail.or.jp

The Netherlands


Thuiswinkel.org

The Dutch Home Shopping Association known as Thuiswinkel.org, is the principal organization promoting the interests of almost 1,300 companies selling products and/or services to consumers via internet, representing the distance selling market online of 8,2 billion euro's (2010) in the Netherlands.

'Thuiswinkel Waarborg', the Dutch trustmark for online shopping 

Since being introduced by Thuiswinkel.org in 2001, Thuiswinkel Waarborg has become the national trustmark for purchasing products and services via the internet, having the full support of the Dutch Consumers' Association. Over 1,300 certified companies carry Holland's prime trustmark for online shopping. 

Thuiswinkel.org
Belangenvereniging Thuiswinkel.org 
Horaplantsoen 20 
6717 LT Ede 
Tel: 0318 64 85 75 
Fax: 0318 64 85 76 
Email: info@thuiswinkel.org 
Web: www.thuiswinkel.org

Norway


VIRKE - Enterprise Federation of Norway

Virke, the Enterprise Federation of Norway is the most rapidly growing federation of enterprises in Norway. We believe that working life works best when the employer and the employee unite to create value.

We represent more than 16,000 businesses with more than 200,000 employees from many different sectors. Common to them all is that they represent the working life of the future - based on knowledge, service and innovation.

VIRKE - Enterprise Federation of Norway 
Henrik Ibsensgate 90
0230 Oslo
Phone: + 47 22 54 17 00
Email: bws@virke.no 
Web: www.virke.no

Singapore


Singapore Retailers Association

Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) was founded in 1977, originally as the Singapore Retail Merchants Association by 10 leading retailers. It is a non-profit, independent/non-governmental retail trade body in Singapore, funded entirely by the private sector. Led by 18 Council Members from leading companies and SMEs, SRA’s vision is to be the respected and collective voice of the retail industry and advance the interests of the retail industry via insights, education and strategic collaborations.

SRA organises a wide range of year-round programs ranging from industry events and conferences, market insights sharing sessions, training and masterclasses, local learning journeys, and overseas study missions, as well as professional guidance and mentorship for retailers' brand growth and business development. Our membership of over 570 members reflects the diversity and vibrance of Singapore’s retail industry – Fashion Apparel/& Accessories, Furniture and Furnishings, Electrical & Electronics, Watch & Accessories, Beauty & Wellness, Telecommunications, Specialty and Food Retail, Department Stores and Supermarket/Convenience Stores. Collectively, they employ more than 80,000 workers, own or resell more than 4,500 brands, own more than 14,000 local stores, and account for more than $30 billion in operating receipts annually.

SRA work in close partnership with government bodies such as Enterprise Singapore, Infocomm Media Development Authority, Singapore Tourism Board, Workforce Singapore, SkillsFuture Singapore, National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), industry related ministries like Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Manpower, Ministry of Communication and Information as well as with foreign embassies and other trade associations and organisations to better represent the interests of its members and to facilitate communication and strengthen understanding between the government, business partners and the retail community. SRA is also a member of the 18-country strong Federation of Asia-Pacific Retailers Association, most noted for the bi-annual APRCE event.

Singapore Retailers Association (SRA)
Coleman Street The Adelphi #05-11B
Singapore 179803
Email: info@sra.org.sg and anwar@sra.org.sg
Web: www.sra.org.sg

Sweden


Svensk Handel

The Swedish Trade Federation (Svensk Handel) is the main organization in Sweden for retailers, wholesalers and importers. The Swedish Trade Federation has 10,000 member companies with 23,000 workplaces. These member companies handle the major part of Swedish domestic trade and commerce.

The Swedish Trade Federation:

  • Provides professional services and guidance to our member companies
  • Provides services within several specific fields, including corporate social responsibility, educational issues, environmental issues, logistics, payment issues, security, etc.
  • Meets regularly with authorities and politicians on a national and/or regional level on specific issues to underline the needs of the trade sector and emphasize the importance of the entire trade sector.
  • Is active within EuroCommerce and its committees with the aim to put forward to the European Commission the opinion, needs and demands of the trade sector (positioning the trade sector).
  • Is an employer organizations and as such we negotiates national agreements with trade unions on wages, salaries and working conditions.
  • Provides financial support to members in labor conflicts.
  • Represents the interests of the employers’ vis-à-vis the government, politicians and authorities in questions concerning social matters and conditions on the labor market.
  • Assists members in courts of law.
  • Acts within the field of company law and conducts its work like a law firm, charging member companies favorable prices for its services.

For any questions, please contact Mats Hedenström, Head of Policy.

Swedish Trade Federation / Svensk Handel
103 29 Stockholm
Sweden
Regeringsgatan 60 (visiting address)
Tel: +46-70-296 1817
Fax: +46-10-471 8662
Email: mats.hedenstrom@svenskhandel.se
Web: www.svenskhandel.se

Switzerland


Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS)

With 45 members, Intercontinental Group of Department Stores (IGDS) is the largest association of Department Stores in the world and present on all continents. Our purpose is to provide exclusive support to our department store members and keep them abreast of trends, developments and innovation in retailing. IGDS was founded in 1946 in Switzerland and is based in Zurich.

Office Address: 
IGDS
Birmensdorferstrasse 55
8004 Zurich
Switzerland

Email: info@igds.org
Website: www.igds.org

USA


National Retail Federation (NRF)

As the world’s largest retail trade association and the voice of retail worldwide, NRF represents retailers of all types and sizes, including chain restaurants and industry partners, from the United States and more than 45 countries abroad. Retailers operate more than 3.6 million U.S. establishments that support one in four U.S. jobs – 42 million working Americans. Contributing $2.5 trillion to annual GDP, retail is a daily barometer for the nation’s economy. NRF’s This is Retail campaign highlights the industry’s opportunities for life-long careers, how retailers strengthen communities, and the critical role that retail plays in driving innovation. 

National Retail Federation
1101 New York Ave NW, Suite 1200
Washington DC 20005
United States of America
Tel: +202-783-7971 
Fax: +202-737-2849 
Email: rocha-goldmanl@nrf.com
Web: www.nrf.com