About us
The Estonian Merchants' Association represents and unites companies in the sector.
The Estonian Merchants' Association is a voluntary union of retail and wholesale trade companies operating in the Republic of Estonia, founded in 1996.
The Merchants' Association is a member of the Estonian Employers' Confederation, the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and EuroCommerce — the European union of retail, wholesale and international trade associations.
We represent our members and protect their interests in relations with the legislative and executive branches and with employee representatives, both in Estonia and abroad.
Board members
Raul Puusepp
Chairman of the board
Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS
Our activities
Members of the Estonian Merchants' Association may be private legal entities registered to engage in trade in the Republic of Estonia who recognise and comply with the Association's Statutes and Good Trade Practice. Participation in the Association is possible as either an ordinary member or a supporting member.
As of 2025, the Estonian Merchants' Association has 57 members.
Protecting merchants' interests and advocacy
We protect members' interests in relations with government authorities and institutions. We represent the sector in the media. We participate in the legislative process as reviewers of bills, keep members informed of what is being pursued, and proactively act as spokespersons on issues of concern to them.
Cooperation network
Working together with other trade companies, members shape the sector's positions on social issues and on questions that influence the Estonian business climate. Depending on their interests, members can participate in working groups and committees both within the Association and externally.
PR and reputation-building for the retail sector
The Merchants' Association is the sector's shared channel to the broader public — through journalists, the website and social media. We offer members the opportunity to present themselves at seminars, round tables and conferences as representatives of the retail sector, and we champion good trade practices.
Services
We organise low-cost or free training on relevant topics and bring high-profile speakers to Association events.
Our purpose
- Representing and protecting members' interests in relations with government authorities and institutions
- Shaping and following fair trade practices
- Promoting forward-looking competition and trade ethics
- Participating in legislation affecting the retail environment
- Providing members with the information and services they need
Merchants' Association representation in councils
The Merchants' Association represents the retail sector in:
- / the Agriculture and Food Board's client advisory council,
- / the Payment Environment Forum at the Bank of Estonia,
- / the supervisory board of Eesti Pandipakend,
- / the programme council of TalTech's School of Business and Governance,
- / the food-safety advisory council of the Ministry of Rural Affairs,
- / the Estonian Employers' Confederation tax-policy working group,
- / the food-supply-security advisory council of the Ministry of Rural Affairs,
- / the advertising advisory council of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority,
- / the supervisory board of the Estonian Stockpile Centre,
- / the e-invoicing working group of the Ministry of Finance,
- / the Service Sector Professional Council at Kutsekoda,
- / the Consumer Disputes Committee of the Consumer Protection and Technical Regulatory Authority.
Our memberships
