Prospects of Small Business Development in Russian Distribution Sector in the Context of Development of Communication Technology and Trade and Information Globalisation

The paper outlines research findings concerning the aspects and impact of the global environment for small, micro, individual, and family businesses and the self-employed engaged in the distribution sector. It also explores the potential of the information and communications sector for their online transformation. These findings allow the conclusion that internal and global information and communications resources combined with digital tools help to create conditions for a successful online transformation of small, micro, individual, and family businesses and the self-employed in the distribution sector on single digital platforms. This online transformation would help them avoid a direct competitive fight with major retail chains enjoying meaningful advantages in the online environment. One of the successful directions of online transformation for small, micro, individual, and family businesses and the self-employed in the distribution sector is the C2C market operating on global digital platforms.