On Tuesday 8 October, eXpression Umeå and Future Retail Lab met with Skellefteå commerce in a dialogue about the transformation of the retail sector and the city's future opportunities. With the establishment of the Northvolt battery factory and the new Sara Kulturhus cultural centre, it was noted that Skellefteå retail is facing an exciting future. An influx of new residents and skills is expected in the coming years and commerce, community services and housing will have a major impact throughout the municipality. Skellefteå Municipality has plans for residential construction where they expect to build around 1500 homes within five years. Retailers are positive about the new influx and see opportunities for sustainable trade, while expressing concern that the municipality will not be able to meet the opportunities through expanded and necessary infrastructure. 

The trade call is part of the dissemination of knowledge and exchange of experience on the ongoing transformation of the trade sector. The Future Retail Lab accelerator programme's visit to Skellefteå was the fourth in the series of workshops held during the year. Future Retail Lab is a joint initiative with the Swedish Retail Federation via the Swedish Merchants' Association Foundation and is also part-financed by the EU's structural funds. A pilot round of the accelerator programme is currently being carried out in Umeå and in early 2020 the application will open up for national intake.