Some of the most respected and experienced leaders in the retail sector will share their knowledge and thoughts on the challenges retailers face in 2013 at Retail Week Live.
Scott Weavers-Wright, Chief executive, Kiddicare
Scott Weavers-Wright has taken Kiddicare from start-up to big player, and the baby products retailer’s journey is still in the early stages. Kiddicare built its customer base online before revealing plans to open a network of stores after it was bought by Morrisons in 2011. It acquired 10 sites, and has opened two stores so far in addition to its Peterborough premises. As one of the first predominantly online players to move into the bricks-and-mortar world, Weavers-Wright has a unique insight into multichannel retailing - making him a useful addition to a panel on nurturing young retail talent.
Nick Robertson, Chief executive, Asos
Over the past decade, Nick Robertson has become an authority on many aspects in retail. Throughout 2012, work has continued on strengthening Asos’ existing markets and readying the business for its launch in China this year. And when cynics suggested the UK business had reached maturity last year, Robertson answered in the best way possible - by delivering first-quarter UK sales growth of 24% on last year to £62m in the three months to November 30. Robertson will be at Retail Week Live to advise on nurturing tomorrow’s retail talent.
Trevor Moore, Chief executive, HMV
Having been thrown into the thick of it when he became chief executive at HMV, Trevor Moore has many challenges ahead. But having steered camera specialist Jessops through recessionary waters and delivered profits in a declining market, it’s likely that if he can’t turn HMV around, no one can. Moore has looked the challenge square in the face, insisting there is a role for HMV on the high street of the future. He is dealing with a difficult situation as structural changes continue to undermine the traditional entertainment market, and his thoughts on leadership will be worth hearing.
Darcy Willson-Rymer, Chief executive, Costcutter
Darcy Willson-Rymer has had a varied career, from leading Starbucks’ UK business to steering Clinton Cards, his experience stretches across the industry. As boss of Costcutter, Willson-Rymer is in the fortunate position of heading a business in a category that is enjoying growth - time-poor customers are flocking to convenience stores. Willson-Rymer will be perfectly placed to comment on how to head a wide range of businesses - he is speaking on a panel discussing leadership at Retail Week Live.
Paul Loft, Managing director, Homebase
As the boss of one of the UK’s leading DIY retailers, Loft can comment on everything from how to appeal to an increasingly female market to the difficulty of dealing with the weather. The DIY sector has had more than its fair share of consolidation over the past few years, with players such as Focus and MFI biting the dust, but Loft’s steady hand has ensured Homebase is still going strong despite a turbulent market. And, in case the faltering economy wasn’t difficult enough, the DIY sector has felt the brunt of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.
Mike Shearwood, Chief executive, Aurora Fashions
Aurora has made a name at the forefront of multichannel retail and Mike Shearwood has become one of the industry’s most recognised names. The fashion boss has not only helped Aurora to emerge from the ashes of the collapse of Mosaic Fashions in 2009 - a topic unfortunately pertinent to a growing number of retailers today - but he has overseen its emergence as a multichannel leader as well. The fashion group also knows plenty about international retailing, which Shearwood will be discussing as part of a panel on the topic.
Book your place at Retail Week Live 2013
Attending Retail Week Live at the Hilton London Metropole on March 13 and 14 will give you unprecedented access to the most cutting-edge practices and thinking in the sector, helping you shape your business throughout 2013 and beyond. Book before February 1 to save up to £400. Please call 020 3033 2777 to speak with the Retail Week Live team, or book online.
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