STOCKHOLM, 25 August 2009 - A majority of Swedish small- and
medium-sized retail businesses has a positive outlook for the coming year
despite the recession, according to a new survey from UPS, with 93% of SMEs in
Sweden planning to keep or increase their workforce in 2009.
Although the retail sector considers the economic situation the biggest
threat to business during 2009, 39% look to the current year with optimism and
38% of SMEs surveyed predict there will be no change in the economic outlook for
their business due to the downturn.
A majority of companies within the retail industry (57%) report they have not
been negatively affected by the financial crisis, furthermore, an additional 3%
say the effects have been positive.
Commenting on the survey results, Gunnar Adalberth, business development
director, UPS Nordics, said: "The results of the survey are surprising, but
pleasantly so considering the financial situation in Sweden and globally."
Logistics important for growth
The companies surveyed
clearly see logistics supporting growth: 76% say that logistics are essential or
very important to their business and 21% of retail companies surveyed are
planning to increase investments in logistics during 2009. A large
majority of the companies surveyed handles logistics internally (81%), whilst
14% have partially outsourced it. Only 4% completely outsource their
logistics.
"Logistics are strategically important for many companies, though not their
core competency", says Gunnar Adalberth. "By investing in logistics in times of
economic crisis, businesses can streamline their processes to emerge in a
stronger position to grow and succeed in the economic upswing."
About the survey - The survey was carried out by Prospector
from 08 December 2008 to 14 January 2009. Representatives from 402 small- and
medium-sized, importing and/or exporting companies were interviewed. Of these,
178 companies were within the retail sector. The selection of SMEs was made in
accordance with the European Union standardised definition i.e. fewer than 250
employees and a turnover of maximum €50 million.
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is the world's largest package delivery company and a global
leader in supply chain and freight services. With more than a century of
experience in transportation and logistics, UPS is a leading global trade expert
equipped with a broad portfolio of solutions. Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, UPS
serves more than 200 countries and territories worldwide. The company can be
found on the Web at www.ups.com. To get UPS
news direct, visit www.pressroom.ups.com.
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