In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, supply chain transformation is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Retailers operating in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific) face unique challenges and opportunities shaped by regional consumer expectations, regulatory environments, and the pace of digital adoption. At Publicis Sapient, we understand that success in these dynamic markets requires tailored strategies that blend global best practices with local insights—delivering agility, resilience, and customer-centricity at scale.
Retail consumers in EMEA and APAC are more connected and discerning than ever. In both regions, the demand for seamless omnichannel experiences—where shoppers can browse, purchase, and receive products on their terms—has become the norm. Whether it’s buy-online-pickup-in-store (BOPIS), same-day delivery, or flexible returns, the supply chain is now a direct driver of customer satisfaction and loyalty.
In EMEA, sustainability and transparency are increasingly important. Shoppers expect brands to demonstrate responsible sourcing, ethical labor practices, and reduced environmental impact throughout the supply chain. Meanwhile, APAC markets are characterized by rapid urbanization, a mobile-first consumer base, and a strong appetite for digital innovation. Retailers must balance speed and convenience with the ability to scale operations across diverse geographies and regulatory frameworks.
Both EMEA and APAC present a patchwork of regulatory requirements that impact supply chain operations. In EMEA, data privacy laws such as GDPR, as well as evolving sustainability mandates, require robust compliance and reporting capabilities. APAC’s regulatory landscape is equally complex, with varying import/export rules, local content requirements, and data sovereignty concerns across countries.
Retailers must build supply chains that are not only agile and efficient but also compliant and adaptable to shifting regulations. This calls for real-time visibility, integrated data management, and the ability to quickly reconfigure networks in response to new mandates or disruptions.
Digital transformation is at the heart of supply chain modernization in EMEA and APAC. Cloud-based platforms, AI-driven analytics, and digital twins are enabling retailers to move beyond legacy, siloed systems toward integrated, data-driven value chains. Key technology enablers include:
Retailers in EMEA are leading the way in building customer-centric and sustainable supply chains. By implementing AI-enabled decision-making and micro-fulfillment centers closer to urban customers, they are reducing last-mile costs and meeting rising expectations for speed and sustainability. For example, a leading European apparel brand partnered with Publicis Sapient to integrate inventory and order management across channels, achieving greater visibility, faster fulfillment, and a seamless customer experience that drove both sales and loyalty.
In APAC, the focus is on scaling operations to meet explosive growth in e-commerce and digital retail. A top global grocery retailer in the region worked with Publicis Sapient to expand online grocery internationally and optimize supply chain operations. The transformation enabled the retailer to process over a million orders per day, improve on-time delivery, and rapidly respond to surges in demand—such as doubling online orders and delivery slots in less than a week during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retailers across EMEA and APAC are leveraging cloud-based commerce platforms and agile team structures to enable omnichannel agility. For instance, a major sports retailer modernized its order management system and integrated inventory, fulfillment, and customer data, resulting in 170% faster order processing during peak periods and improved customer experiences across all channels.
With decades of digital transformation expertise and a global team of supply chain specialists, Publicis Sapient is uniquely positioned to help retailers in EMEA and APAC turn their supply chains into strategic assets. Our end-to-end solutions span strategy, technology, data, and change management—ensuring that transformation delivers measurable business impact, regional relevance, and sustainable growth.
Ready to transform your supply chain for the future of retail in EMEA and APAC? Connect with our regional experts to start your journey toward agility, resilience, and customer-centric excellence.