retail and consumer issues Archives - Page 3 of 8

Poland – Retail and Consumer Issues

Poland boasts a thriving retail environment characterised by a dominant discount supermarket scene, near-universal acceptance of card and contactless payments, and solid consumer protections rooted in both EU directives and Polish domestic legislation. Under a trading restriction introduced in 2018,

Portugal – Retail and Consumer Issues

Portugal boasts a mature and varied retail landscape, encompassing major supermarket chains, large shopping centres, and characterful independent local businesses. Unlike several other European nations, Sunday trading restrictions are largely absent, allowing shoppers considerable flexibility throughout the week. Contactless and

Philippines – Retail and Consumer Issues

For expats arriving in the Philippines, the country’s retail scene is both energetic and remarkably accessible — spanning enormous climate-controlled shopping malls that trade every day of the week, compact neighbourhood sari-sari stores, and lively wet markets overflowing with fresh

Peru – Retail and Consumer Issues

Peru’s retail landscape is diverse and increasingly sophisticated, ranging from vast shopping centres in Lima to bustling traditional markets. While cash continues to play a significant role, digital wallets and card-based payments are gaining ground at a remarkable pace. Consumers

Panama – Retail and Consumer Issues

Panama boasts a mature and varied retail landscape, encompassing everything from well-stocked supermarket chains and expansive shopping malls to a steadily expanding e-commerce sector. Because Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency, expats face none of the exchange

Norway – Retail and Consumer Issues

Norway’s retail sector is mature and well-regulated, offering shoppers strong legal protections — but the way it operates will feel unfamiliar to many newcomers. Sunday closures are the norm for most larger stores, the country leads the world in cashless

Oman – Retail and Consumer Issues

Oman’s retail scene strikes a compelling balance between the charm of age-old souqs and the convenience of climate-controlled shopping centres. Contactless and card-based payments are now firmly embedded in everyday commerce, and shoppers benefit from a consumer protection framework backed

Netherlands – Retail and Consumer Issues

Shopping in the Netherlands is a straightforward and generally pleasant experience for newcomers. The country boasts a mature retail sector that leans heavily toward debit card and contactless payments, a well-organised supermarket landscape spanning budget to premium tiers, and solid

New Zealand – Retail and Consumer Issues

New Zealand offers a sophisticated and well-functioning retail landscape, characterised by flexible store hours, near-universal acceptance of electronic payments, and strong legal protections for shoppers. The grocery sector is dominated by two major players, yet international and specialty goods are

Morocco – Retail and Consumer Issues

Morocco’s retail scene is a fascinating mix of age-old open-air souks and neighbourhood corner shops — known locally as hanouts — sitting alongside a rapidly expanding network of modern supermarkets, shopping centres, and online platforms. While cash continues to dominate