On the occasion of the 4th World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Retail Conference held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 20 to 21 June 2011, under the theme: "Retail Markets: the Visible Difference", delegates from 11 countries gather here today to express unanimous agreement of the following:
- We note the significance of retail markets to the Netherlands with over 24,000 registered market traders conducting business on over 1,000 weekly markets. Retail markets provide the equivalent of 45.500 full time jobs and contribute 3.2 billion euro, supporting 4.25% of the 75 billion Euro of total consumer spending in the country.
- Studies and statistical analysis within various European member states provides on-going evidence of the importance of markets to effective retail policy. We encourage continued vigilance by market authorities and national administrations to update their knowledge of the contribution markets make to the economy. The market role cannot be underestimated, and subsequently WUWM Retail encourages new countries entering the Union to adopt the same homogenous approach to market rules so that this may extend the knowledge base of the WUWM and help create a common policy throughout Europe, and other world regions.
- We encourage increased attention within local, national and regional governments to ensuring opportunities are taken by decision-makers to support increased professionalism in markets, both in the management and trading conducted on retail markets, thereby supporting the integral public-service role of these businesses.
- At this time where large retailers attempt to return to city centres, we encourage city planners and urban developers to consider the role of the retail market and support that markets retain their primary assets: location and accessibility.
- In light of the recent E-coli crisis and the compensation currently offered member states in the European Union, we encourage the Commission, as well as national governments, to consider not only the plight of producers, but also that of market traders, many having experienced severe losses as a result of this situation.
- WUWM congratulates the many retail members of the Union that continue to support local and national environmental and/or sustainability goals, using the retail markets as a tool for common good.
In closing, we take this opportunity to thank our Dutch hosts – the City of Amsterdam, the Dutch Market Traders Association (CVAH) and the Dutch Association of Municipal Market Managers (NVgM) – for their support of this event.
Source: World Union of Wholesale Markets