The II FECE Forum, held in Seville, once again underlined a reality well known across the sector: specialised local retail remains a key pillar of the economy, employment and customer service.
Bringing together business representatives, public administration and industry experts, the event offered a valuable platform for discussion on the challenges and future of specialised commerce in a rapidly evolving market environment.
A Sector Built on Value
During the forum, Diego Giménez Soldevilla, Manager of Expert ES and President of FECE, delivered a clear message: despite increasing regulatory pressure, market transformation and growing competition, the specialised retail channel remains resilient and optimistic about the future.
This optimism, however, is not based on complacency. It stems from a strong and differentiated value proposition — one built on proximity to customers, expert advice, installation services and reliable after-sales support. These elements continue to define the role of specialised retailers in an increasingly competitive landscape.
The Role of Omnichannel Integration
In one of the roundtable discussions, Yannis Kokkaliaris from Expert International Retail highlighted the importance of integrating physical and digital channels. This hybrid approach is seen as a key driver of competitiveness and long-term success for specialised retail.
As consumer expectations evolve, the ability to combine in-store expertise with digital convenience is becoming essential for maintaining relevance and delivering a seamless customer experience.
A Call for a Balanced Framework
A central theme of the forum was the need for a more supportive environment for specialised trade. Industry representatives emphasised the importance of:
- reducing administrative complexity
- ensuring fair and balanced regulations
- promoting meaningful digitalisation
- defining a clear roadmap for future competitiveness
At a time when physical stores can no longer compete on price alone, the sector is increasingly focused on evolving towards a more efficient, connected and value-driven model.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The II FECE Forum was widely recognised as a well-organised and impactful event, bringing together key stakeholders for high-level discussions. Across multiple industry reports and media coverage, one shared conclusion emerged:
Specialised retail has the knowledge, network and customer proximity to remain highly relevant — but requires the right conditions to fully realise its potential.
At Expert ES, this vision remains central. The commitment to professional, customer-focused and value-driven retail continues to guide its strategy, ensuring that specialised commerce remains competitive and future-ready.
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