Porch pirates. Employee shortages. Tariff worries.  These are not uniquely American problems, I learned on a recent trip to visit friends in Scandinavia.  The shops of Copenhagen were a big inspiration to me before I opened my store 50 years ago, so it saddened me to see the way that issues such as online shopping – including Amazon – are eroding independent retail there too. 

Some of the shops that had provided personal customer service in the past are now resorting to self-checkout because they can’t afford staff. There is a minimum pay agreement for retail stores in Denmark that requires that employees over age 18 be paid at least about $20 an hour. This means that even if a shop can find employees, it may not be able to afford them. And finding available workers in a country with a 2.6% unemployment rate is challenging.

Retailers overseas are not immune to the chaos caused by recent American policies, which is a worry to Scandinavian stores. Statistics show a decline in American tourism to Europe this summer due to concerns about the economy and international tensions. Domestic consumers are also spending cautiously because of the world situation.

Although it’s neither a positive or negative development, I noticed a major trend away from the use of currency (even the cute Danish coins with a hole in the center surrounded by hearts). Checks are no longer even an option in Denmark, so digital payments, especially debit cards and MobilePay, are the methods of choice. This digital dominance may be a sign of things to come for us.

Another interesting development is that PostNord has announced that it will phase out home postal delivery for letters at the end of 2025. This will of course have a strong impact on the sale of greeting cards in Denmark. While I can’t imagine the U.S. Postal Service making this move, it’s concerning that stamps for a first class envelope is creeping closer to a dollar now that is has reached 78¢ for regular cards (and $1.27 for square ones!).

On a positive note, I found most Danish stores still visually attractive, with a clean contemporary aesthetic that highlights their merchandise well. Even the thrift shops had pleasing, well-maintained displays.

I hope you take the opportunity to visit retailers in other parts of the country and other parts of the world whenever you travel. It’s a great way to feel connected to our larger community of independent retailers, and to find inspiration and ideas for your own shop.

Happy Retailing,
Carol “Orange” Schroeder