INNOVATIVE BUSINESS TOOLS IN TRADE

Background. In the era of intensive digital transformation, which is due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic, trade is one of the most dynamic sectors of the economy. During the lockdown, trade has become the epicentre of the development and implementation of trade innovations, testing of technological and non-technological business tools to effectively transform relationships with consumers and suppliers and other stakeholders. The analysis of recent research and publications has shown that, despite the availability of separate research on future trade trends, existing research does not reveal the main trends in the use of business tools in trade in the economic crisis caused by the pandemic, which confirms the need for further research. The aim of the article is to study modern trendsin the developmentand use of innovative business tools inthe field oftrade. Materials and methods. Theoretical and methodological basis of scientific research were scientific concepts and theoretical developments on the use of business technologies and tools, information and analytical materials. Results. The author’s definition of the terms: «business technologies»and «business tools»is given. Systematized business tools used in trade. The main trends in the development of innovative technologies related to increasing the level of own operational efficiency and increasing the level of business competitiveness in the field of trade are described. Conclusion. The main trends in the development of innovative business tools in the field of trade are summarized. It has been established that innovative business tools and business technologies have a significant impact on trade development. Prospects for further research in this area are the study of modern information technology and software to optimize trade.