Earlier this month Moscow played host to EcomWeek, a large event dedicated to online retail in Russia. Over 300 companies came to discuss all aspects of this fast-growing markets — from infrastructure, to technologies, to services, to the HR and legal environment. The conference was co-organized by research agency Data Insight and East-West Digital News.
The program was designed to meet the needs of both local businesses, international brands, and other companies of all sizes. Three streams were organized: plenary sessions to speculate over strategies, round tables for major retailers to discuss operational aspects, and educational sessions for SMBs.
Data Insight’s analysts presented the market’s freshest data. Thus fashion site Wildberries ranked number one in the agency’s Top 100 Online Retailers 2016.
A poll organized among some 250 participating market players and experts showed showed their optimism: nearly 90% expect the e-commerce market to continue its strong growth.
New legal requirements related to cash payments were also discussed. According to this legislation, which will come into force on July 1 this year, cash payment data will be passed to tax authorities via online cash registers.
Another legal rule discussed at the event was draft legislation requiring Russian online marketplaces to provide consumers with data about seller, goods and services offered via the site.
The majority of the attendees (43%) polled at the event showed no enthusiasm about government regulations in the industry.
Among the speakers participating in the event were:
- Avito Head of General Classifieds and E-Commerce Erik Finnas
- Deloitte Director Vardan Gasparyan
- Alexander Ivanov, President of industry association NAMO
- KupiVip co-founder and CEO Vladmimir Kholyaznikov
- Leroy Merlin E-Commerce Director Nikolai Kozak
- Ozon.ru CEO Danny Perekalsky
- EWDN co-founder Vlad Shirobokov
- Lamoda.ru CEO Niels Tonsen
- Fedor Virin, co-founder of research agency Data Insight
- Alibaba Russia General Manager Mark Zavadsky
E-commerce startup battle
As part part of the conference, four local startups pitched to a board of local investors.
“The quality of the startups was very high. Most of them are already in growth stage. Jury members mostly represented e-commerce and retail players which are potential partners, clients and acquirers of the startups,” commented the startup battle moderator Armin Konjalic of East-West Digital News.
“The event brought startups and companies even closer. They do not usually communicate and understand each other very well. EcomWeek has established a unique model of connecting startups with retailers,” he added.
The event was supported by Avito, Go Analytics, Netology, Sovcombank, Yandex.Market, SAP, DPD, SPSR, LifePay, Robokassa, Russian Post, MaxiPost, Owox, Adventum and industry association NAMO.
