European retail faces a turnover crisis, with attrition reaching 60% in some markets. Recruitment alone won’t fix it. Investing in onboarding and continuous training can halve early attrition. MobieTrain delivers mobile-first, fast, and scalable onboarding to help retailers cut costs and boost customer experience.
Employee turnover in European retail is spiralling out of control, in some markets reaching more than 60%. With labour shortages, rising costs, and customer expectations at an all-time high, there will be clear winners and losers.
The difference? How leaders tackle onboarding and training.
Retail is Europe’s largest private employer, with 26 million people working across the sector (EuroCommerce, 2023). But behind the size of this workforce hides a mounting crisis: attrition.
30–40% attrition in Northern Europe
50–60% attrition in Southern markets
€3,000–€4,000 average cost per employee exit (Eurofound, 2023)
35% of retail workers are part-time or seasonal, the most likely to leave within months
Meanwhile, Eurostat reported in 2023 that labour shortages are hitting retail harder than ever, with unfilled vacancies in customer-facing roles climbing by double digits year on year.
The result? Higher costs, fewer experienced staff, and customers who feel the gap every time service levels drop.
The workforce isn’t just shrinking, it’s shifting. Younger employees, particularly Gen Z, now make up a growing share of frontline teams. They demand:
Faster onboarding (days, not weeks)
Continuous development instead of one-off training
Flexibility and mobile-first access to learning
Retailers that fail to adapt will see staff vote with their feet, and customers follow. Those who act now will win not just employees’ loyalty but also their customers’ trust.
Many retailers fall into the trap of thinking recruitment is the solution. Bigger campaigns, higher bonuses, endless ads. But recruitment is treating the symptom, not the cause.
Research shows:
Strong onboarding reduces early attrition by up to 50%
Ongoing, accessible training drives engagement and performance
A culture of learning boosts both staff retention and customer satisfaction
In short, throwing money at recruitment without fixing onboarding and development is like pouring water into a leaking bucket.
This is where MobieTrain gives leaders a competitive edge:
Fast, engaging onboarding: Seasonal and part-time staff get productive within days.
Mobile-first training: Bite-sized modules fit naturally into frontline shifts.
Personalised learning paths: Employees feel supported and valued, not disposable.
Retailers already using MobieTrain are cutting attrition, reducing recruitment costs, and creating more consistent customer experiences. In a market where every percentage point matters, that’s what separates the winners from the laggards.
👉 Want to see how brands like Timberland and Via Outlets are already reducing turnover with smarter onboarding? Read our customer stories.