Consumer Business

Audit, Consulting, Business Intelligence to Improve Your Performance

The field of distribution is undergoing great transformation on account of various challenges like economic uncertainty in developed countries, slowing growth in emerging market, digital disruption of existing models and transformation of value chains. 

BDO worked with top brands, and its experience is in retail distribution (large scale and specialized). Count on our teams to assist you in dealing with regulation, process choice and digital transition.

Specialized Retail and Tailored Strategies

Today, the B2C sector faces multiple challenges: buyers expect value, convenience, and an engaging customer experience. Pricing strategies have become increasingly complex, and businesses must design tailored approaches that apply to both "brick-and-mortar" stores and e-commerce platforms.

Major Challenges for Specialized Retail Brands:

  • Intensified Competition
    New specialized retail brands are entering the market, while existing ones are becoming increasingly competitive. This creates challenges for standing out, attracting, and retaining customers.

  • Rapid Growth of Online Commerce
    The rise of e-commerce significantly impacts in-store sales for specialized retailers. Businesses must find ways to differentiate themselves and sustain market share in the face of online competition.

  • Growing Importance of Sustainability
    An increasing number of consumers are concerned about sustainability and environmental impact. Retailers must demonstrate that they incorporate these concerns into their commercial strategies and daily operations.

  • High Labor and Rent Costs
    Labor and rent expenses can be particularly burdensome, especially in densely populated areas. This makes it difficult for retailers to maintain healthy profit margins while staying price-competitive.

  • Rapid Technological Change
    Advancements in technology significantly influence specialized retailers, from inventory management systems to marketing strategies. Adapting quickly to new technologies is crucial to remaining competitive

Become a Franchisee or Develop Your Franchise

Organized commerce models (franchise, associated trade, concessions) attract both entrepreneurs and business owners by offering the ease of becoming your own boss and the ability to rapidly establish a territorial network.

Franchising has experienced rapid growth in recent years, but not all sectors are equally dynamic.

Our franchise specialists help secure your project and ensure you start with the right tools. We provide support in various areas, including accounting expertise, auditing, consulting, and social & HR expertise.


Becoming a Franchisee

Joining a network allows you to leverage established know-how and benefit from the strength of a collective. This choice opens promising development opportunities but can be costly, particularly due to franchise fees. It is crucial to carefully choose your network before committing.


Developing a Franchise

If your business is profitable, and you are convinced of the originality of your concept, franchising could be an effective way to expand. However, it is essential to ensure that franchising aligns with the commercial development needs of your business before taking the plunge.


Franchising is booming and offers many advantages, but to fully capitalize on its opportunities, it’s essential to partner with experts.

Adapt to the New Challenges of the Retail Sector

Demanding consumers, macroeconomic shifts, and fierce competition from e-commerce players have compelled the retail sector to adjust its business models. These changes are evident in the transformation plans undertaken by numerous industry players.

In 2020, these challenges were compounded by the risks and uncertainties brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

At BDO, we support retail industry players in navigating a market undergoing significant transformations. Our expertise encompasses sector-specific challenges, including regulatory compliance, financial reporting, IFRS standards, and taxation.

Our teams operate on an international scale, exchanging insights and best practices across the sector. This enables us to provide the best advice for securing financing, managing mergers and acquisitions, and improving reporting processes.

Partner with international specialists in your industry to effectively tackle the evolving dynamics of the retail sector.


Your Key Contact

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Cora Denis

Partner, Audit & Assurance, German Desk
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