Retail

MAQS retail group works with all commercial law issues for players within retail.
Our industry knowledge encompasses everything from franchise operations, to Swedish and International chains and e-retailers.
retail

Navigating change in the retail industry

The retail industry is in constant change, where adaptation to new technologies, changing consumer behaviours, and sustainability requirements are crucial. Digitalization and AI are driving the development towards more personalized customer experiences and efficient payment solutions, while the boundaries between physical and digital commerce are becoming increasingly blurred. Consumers are demanding greater transparency and reduced climate impact, making sustainable business models a necessary part of successful strategies.

Simultaneously, logistics and delivery solutions are evolving at a record pace to meet demands for speed and efficiency, which in turn need to be balanced against environmental considerations. Regulations for data management and marketing are becoming stricter, while new requirements for labelling and information are emerging. Authorities are active in oversight but less active in providing guidelines.

CONTACT MAQS' RETAIL TEAM

Sustainability and innovation – opportunities and challenges with the EU Green Deal

Rapidly changing requirements and regulations from the EU, authorities, investors, and the market make the field of sustainability complex to navigate. The requirements cover everything from how products should be designed and manufactured to how they can be marketed with environmental claims. Additionally, there are requirements for sustainability reporting (CSRD), control of the entire value chain, and specific rules for packaging, repair, and recycling.
 

Technical innovations open new opportunities to reach the right target groups quickly and efficiently, but they also raise questions about personal privacy and data protection. Relationships within the retail industry are constantly expanding – from suppliers and logistics partners to technical service providers and payment companies. 

Real Estate-related issues, including customized premises and lease terms, continue to play a key role, especially in a world where physical stores and logistics properties are developing in harmony with e-commerce, while customers' needs, behaviours, and preferences are constantly evolving.

CASE

Gina Tricot / EU Green Deal

MAQS has provided Gina Tricot with advice on the sustainability regulations under the EU Green Deal and analyzed how these regulations impact Gina Tricot’s operations. 

The work has included a screening of the regulatory framework and a risk analysis focusing on sanctions and other consequences of non-compliance, the timeline for when the regulations take effect, as well as the relevance and impact of the risks on Gina Tricot’s business.

Based on this analysis, the risks have been classified as high, medium, or low. The work has also included mapping the areas of the company's operations that are affected by the various regulations. The purpose of this mapping was to establish a prioritization and provide internal clarity at Gina Tricot for future efforts.

"With the help of MAQS' retail team, we have gained an excellent overview of upcoming legal requirements and developed an understanding of how the regulations affect us, as well as the risks associated with not compliance." 

Rebecca Watkins, 
Global Head of Sustainability, Gina Tricot

MAQS – your partner in business law

MAQS has extensive experience in supporting companies in the retail industry with strategic and operational advice, and in handling all types of business relationships and legal challenges, including:

Business models: whether it's e-commerce, franchise, specialty retail chains, own stores, circular business models, or operating through corporate governance, we can assist you with all models.

International expansion: legal advice to support with growth in new markets.

Contract negotiations: for both domestic and international collaborations.

Marketing and consumer rights: we help strike the right balance between meeting all requirements and providing a great customer experience in terms of marketing, terms, and procedures.

Privacy and data protection: ensuring compliance with GDPR and other legal requirements, such as those for cookies.

IP: support across the entire intellectual property area, from patents, trademarks, and designs to copyright and market law.

Employees and consultants: advice on all types of employment law matters, including reorganizations and transitions, employment agreements, terminations, union negotiations, disputes, the Swedish Temporary Agency Work Act, European Works Councils (EWC), internal investigations, and the implementation of new national and European legislation.

 

Real Estate and lease issues: support in lease negotiations, development of retail premises, and handling complex real estate-related matters.

Transport and logistics: support in contract negotiations, compliance with legal requirements, and sustainability regulations.

Sustainability matters: advice on the development and implementation of sustainable business models, regulatory compliance, and management of reporting requirements.

Compliance: assistance in navigating complex regulations related to terms, accessibility, content responsibility on websites and web shops, digitalization, information management, and cybersecurity.

Disputes: from oversight by authorities to disputes with competitors over intellectual property rights, marketing, and terms to disputes with former partners.

Corporate transactions (M&A) and financing: advising on acquisitions, divestitures, and restructurings to ensure successful deals, as well as financing and capital raising.

Our retail team consists of 20 specialists who understand the industry's challenges and opportunities and guide you through both today's complexities and tomorrow's requirements. We work with all business law issues relevant to players in retail – from franchise operations with physical stores to Swedish and international chains as well as retailers.

 

News and events

Contacts

Christina Berggren

Christina Berggren

Advokat/Partner

+46 734 17 62 04