28th International Etienne Thil Conference in Martigues

Jointly supported by the .JPEG from Avignon University (AU) and the laboratory CERGAM of Aix-Marseille University (AMU)the 28^e edition of the Etienne THIL international symposium devoted to research in the field of commerce and distribution was held from 8 to 10 October 2025 at the Martigues town hall. This year's edition focused mainly on " Distribution in the age of circularity ". The organising committee was chaired by university professors François FULCONIS (AU) and Gilles PACHÉ (AMU). The scientific committee was chaired by Professor Aurélien ROUQUET (NEOMA BS).

On the first day, the traditional "RETAIL TOUR" gave participants the opportunity to discover two emblematic distribution and retail logistics sites in Miramas: (1) the activities of logistics operators LOMAK and NOVATRANS GREEN MODAL, who are committed to combined rail-road transport and the development of sustainable, low-carbon, resilient and circular logistics chains, and (2) the McArthurGlen Provence brand village and its backstage area, the only outlet centre in the South of France, which welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors a year and employs 650 people.

The second day was devoted exclusively to round tables and plenary sessions bringing together retail professionals, public and political players, retail experts and teacher-researchers. They focused on the issues of revitalising town centres through retail, deciphering changes in retailing, retailing in the era of decarbonisation and circularity, transparency in commercial relations, and also on what we can learn from retailing theses in Management Sciences.

The third day focused on the presentation (in 12 parallel sessions) of recent work by research professors from French and foreign universities and business schools in the field. Over forty research papers by more than 80 authors were presented and discussed.

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