The European multi-industry group EK Retail will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. Since it was founded as the Westphalia-Lippe Purchasing Association (EWELI) in 1925, EK Retail has developed from a regional purchasing association into an international network with almost 4,000 affiliated retailers. In the anniversary year, the focus is on the core values “People, Connection & Motion”, which have always characterized the company.
“We are working in challenging times and have therefore asked ourselves how we can properly celebrate our anniversary in this environment,” explains Martin Richrath, CEO of EK Retail. “The answer is: We reflect on where we come from and what made us strong in the past. And we will continue to anticipate and competently address the issues of the future. In 2025, we want to celebrate what we have achieved with our partners from retail and industry and at the same time shape the future of retail with a shared vision.” With a year-round anniversary campaign, charity campaigns and numerous events, EK Retail will honor its successes and at the same time look to the future the coming challenges of trade.
A special highlight of the anniversary year is the support of a European children’s aid organization. All donations collected at the events go directly to projects for a better and healthier future for children. EK Retail also makes a significant contribution of its own.