In addition to current economic data in the retail sector - presented by Peter Voithofer (iföw) - the focus of this year's summer background discussion by Dr. Rainer Trefelik (Chairman of the Federal Retail Division of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber) was also on the attractiveness of the retail sector as an employer. Prof. Dr. Christoph Teller presented key findings based on a representative IHaM survey of 1,006 retail employees with direct customer contact (sales staff, store managers, shelf supervisors, etc.) commissioned by the Federal Retail Division.

79% of retail employees describe their job in retail as attractive. For 81%, their retail employer is attractive. The job itself, the flexibility of working in retail and the many customer contacts are particularly appreciated. 72% would recommend their current employer to others.

For 10% of retail employees, working in retirement is also an option. A further 29% are thinking about it. Retirees could represent a significant potential workforce, especially if demographic trends become increasingly noticeable in the coming years.

“From the employees' point of view, the image of the retail sector as an employer is obviously better than common prejudices would suggest,” summarized Prof. Dr. Christoph Teller at the WKO summer background discussion in front of the journalists present.