euronews.com
Amazon VP: E-commerce and High Street Retail Can Coexist in Europe
Amidst widespread European retail closures in 2024, Amazon's VP Mariangela Marseglia argues that e-commerce and high street retail can coexist, citing consumer demand and Amazon's role in offering niche products and supporting SMEs; however, she highlights the challenges posed by Europe's fragmented market.
- How does the cost of living crisis influence consumer behavior and shopping habits, and what strategies are retailers employing in response?
- Marseglia highlights Amazon's role in offering niche products unavailable in smaller stores, citing books and Morrisons' successful Amazon delivery integration as examples. She also notes the impact of the cost of living crisis, leading to more conscious spending and increased interest in deals.
- What is the immediate impact of the recent closures of major European retail chains, and how does this relate to the predicted coexistence of online and physical retail?
- In 2024, several European retailers faced significant store closures: Esprit (56 in Germany), Ted Baker (46 in UK/Ireland), and Casino Group (768). Amazon's VP, Mariangela Marseglia, however, predicts the coexistence of e-commerce and traditional retail, emphasizing consumer demand for both.
- What are the key systemic challenges facing SMEs in Europe, and how can policies foster a more competitive environment for smaller businesses within the EU's complex regulatory landscape?
- Marseglia suggests that Europe's fragmented market poses challenges for SMEs, advocating for stronger single-market policies to ease regulatory burdens and foster growth for smaller businesses. Amazon's contribution of €41 billion to the EU GDP is presented as evidence of its positive economic influence.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing is heavily biased towards presenting Amazon in a positive light. The headline question, 'Can e-commerce and high street retail coexist?', is framed in a way that suggests the possibility of peaceful coexistence, rather than exploring the potential for conflict or displacement. The article heavily features Marseglia's perspective, presenting her arguments without significant counterpoints or critical analysis. The use of positive language when discussing Amazon's contributions to the economy reinforces this bias.
Language Bias
The article uses language that subtly favors Amazon. Phrases like 'thriving on Amazon,' 'ally,' and 'catalyst for their growth' portray Amazon in a positive light. Conversely, the struggles of high street retailers are described with terms like 'closures' and 'shed non-profitable outlets,' framing the situation more negatively. This use of language skews the reader's perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on Amazon's perspective and largely omits critical viewpoints regarding Amazon's impact on high street retail. While acknowledging store closures, it doesn't delve into the complexities of those closures or provide alternative explanations beyond Amazon's influence. The perspectives of small businesses struggling to compete with Amazon are mentioned but not explored in detail. The piece also omits discussion of Amazon's labor practices and environmental impact, which are relevant to a comprehensive assessment of its economic effects.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the discussion as a simple choice between 'high street' and 'e-commerce.' Marseglia's assertion that 'Customers are not either highstreet or e-commerce, they do both' is presented as a resolution, yet the complexities of how these models interact and the challenges for smaller businesses are glossed over. This simplifies a multifaceted issue.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit overt gender bias. Marseglia, a female executive, is presented as a credible source, and her views are given significant weight. However, the lack of diverse voices in the discussion, particularly those of individuals negatively impacted by Amazon, is a more general issue that warrants consideration.
Sustainable Development Goals
Amazon claims to support over 127,000 European SMEs, simplifying their operations and enabling easier export to foreign countries. This contributes to job creation and economic growth within the EU. Amazon also contributed €41 billion to the EU's GDP.