The retail industry is being challenged with new hurdles daily. However, it is precisely these changes that can also provide an opportunity to update tried-and-true ways. With its in-depth understanding of the retail industry’s most pressing problems and priorities, KPMG presents a comprehensive offer of Audit, Tax and Advisory services for the retail industry.

Mega-trends in the retail industry

The industry is currently undergoing massive changes, with mega-trends such as “e-commerce”, “digitalization” and “sustainability” leading the agenda.

retail brown boxes

E-commerce

E-commerce was already an up-and-coming trend long before the corona pandemic. However, the wish for safe shopping in corona times has pushed e-commerce even further into the limelight, essentially shifting the activity from bricks to clicks. This is proving to be a logistics challenge for many a retailer. On the other hand, e-commerce harbors tremendous potential because getting to clients with an omni-channel strategy means being closer to the client (for instance, with client-specific, individualized marketing) and being able to reduce costs further (for instance, lowering costs by reducing locations and shifting to show-rooming instead).

retail abstract digitalization image

Digitalization

Digitalization is a boon for the retail sector. Automation can make business processes even more efficient. Digitalization also provides a chance to understand the client better by analyzing their buying patterns. This allows retailers to focus on, cover and even actively trigger certain customer needs. However, digitalization also harbors some critical risks. Cyber-risks include hack attacks, which have recently become more frequent and which require a modern risk management and up-to-date countermeasures.

retail sustainability bee

Sustainability

More often than ever before customers are asking for products that have been produced in a sustainable manner. Regional products are also in high demand. This also provides a chance to increase turnover with such products. It also puts the retailer in the position of having to be able meet requirements regarding transparency and proof of origin. Consumers are also attaching more importance to social responsibility and social commitment.

Our expertise

As specialists, we understand the opportunities and risks that retail holds and dispose of longstanding and comprehensive expertise, not only as auditors but also as advisors and business partners. In fact, we support our retail clients in any situation.

Advisory

  • We have certified experts that can handle any risk and opportunity in the retail industry.
  • We provide advice in the area of IT transformation / SAP S/4HANA, Management Consulting, Deal Advisory, real estate, reorganizations, sustainability, risk management, Internal Audit and Compliance.

Audit

  • When auditing retailers, our modern audit approach uses existing IT systems and processes (e.g. application control). Routine transactions are audited automatically.
  • Our clients thus benefit from in-depth assurance. We generate insights that go far beyond the traditional audit with our modern data analytics tools and process mining.

Digitalization, new requirements demanded of supply chains and an evolution in consumer behavior make for trying times for retailers. KPMG holds the necessary industry knowledge and expertise to support you in these topics.

Jürg Georg Meisterhans
Head of Retail Industry

Our studies

KPMG offers numerous studies that provide answers to important questions you may have.

Future of Retail

Transitioning from 'retail' to 'consumer commerce'

> Go to study

Fashion 2030

What should fashion retailers do today in order to survive tomorrow? (in German)

> Go to study

Your contacts

Feel free to contact us. We will gladly answer any further questions you may have.