How can retail and industry become more efficient, resilient, and future-ready in challenging times? That was exactly the focus of the Retail Leaders Lounge in Vienna on September 24, 2026.
Together with REMIRA and partners Dateio and 7Learnings, we, as EDI Service & E-Invoicing Partners Avenum, co-hosted the evening. At the M12 event venue, decision-makers from retail, wholesale, and industry came together in a personal setting to share experiences, discuss current challenges, and gain new perspectives.
Retail under pressure: How can greater efficiency and resilience be achieved?
Under this title, Peter Hildebrand from REITER Betten & Vorhänge, Robert Bigl from Blumen B&B, and Michael Zellhofer from MTH Retail Group joined moderators Simon Hasenauer and Frank Noß from REMIRA to discuss current challenges in retail.
It quickly became clear just how diverse the pressures companies are currently facing. In addition to efficiency, digitalization, and the use of AI, the discussion focused on customer proximity, the role of employees in retail, and the impact of political and geopolitical conditions. One central idea ran throughout the discussion: What can companies influence themselves? Where can processes be simplified? How can employees be supported by digital solutions? And how can technology be used where it creates real value in day-to-day operations?
For us as EDI Service & E-Invoicing Partners, this is exactly where the digital integration of business processes comes into play. EDI directly connects customers, suppliers, and logistics partners, enabling business documents such as orders, delivery notes, and invoices to be exchanged automatically. This helps reduce manual effort and makes processes across the supply chain more efficient.
Personal exchange at the heart of the evening
Just as important as the panel discussion was the opportunity for personal exchange – with open conversations, different perspectives, and practical experiences from the industry. The dinner and subsequent get-together provided plenty of time to continue the discussions, make new connections, and exchange views on current challenges. The fact that conversations continued well beyond the scheduled end of the event showed just how valuable the personal exchange was.
A heartfelt thank you to REMIRA, our co-hosts, the speakers, and, of course, all participants who enriched the evening with their experiences and conversations.
We are delighted to have been part of the Retail Leaders Lounge Vienna for the first time as EDI Service & E-Invoicing Partners Avenum – and look forward to many more conversations about the digitalization and connectivity of retail and industry.
