Retail Week Live 2013: Wise words for retail

Keynote Opening Presentation

Retail State of the Nation Address

This presentation will deliver insight and analysis of the retail landscape in 2013 and beyond from one of the industry’s most influential leaders.

This flagship address will shape the industry debate across Retail Week Live and beyond. It will cover:

• What the UK retail landscape looks like in 2013 and how it will develop.
• What key challenges the industry faces as it transforms itself from traditional bricks and mortar to a truly multichannel industry.
• The measures retailers need to take to ensure the industry is fit for the future.
• The tough questions retailers need to be asking themselves to secure their future in a tough economy.

Andy Clarke, chief executive, Asda

Andy Clarke started his life at Asda as a store manager but during his long career at the grocer he has held various positions, working his way up to chief executive. In 2000 Andy left Asda but rejoined as retail director in 2005 following spells at Matalan as chief operations officer and Iceland as managing director.

Retail through to 2020

How the retail industry will be transformed in the second half of the decade and the forces shaping that future

In an exclusive forecast session for Retail Week Live, GDR Creative Intelligence will present the results of its research into the trends, technologies and companies shaping the future of the retail sector. Based on retail case studies that bring together the most cutting-edge retail innovations from around the world, GDR’s research not only sets out a vision for retail in the next five years but provides practical advice on how companies can adapt and future-proof their business with confidence.

This session will investigate:

• How bricks-and-mortar retailing will evolve to offer personalised experiences and enhanced services.
• The emergence of the ‘empathetic’ store and why aspirational isn’t always the answer.
• How smart brands are using omnichannel to widen the online-offline circle and start conversations with customers in new ways and places.
• How social media has changed (and will continue to change) the relationship between brand and consumer.

Kate Ancketill, chief executive and founder, GDR Creative Intelligence

GDR Creative Intelligence consults on innovation in retail, hospitality, technology, social media, branding and packaging design for some of the world’s biggest brands.

Central to its work is boss Kate Ancketill’s conviction that insight is only useful if it’s actionable. From research to presentation, game-changing thinking from around the globe is distilled into relevant, realistic strategies.

Jacqueline Gold: ‘What Fifty Shades of Grey taught me about retail’

Fifty Shades was a publishing sensation but the effect was felt more widely. Ann Summers boss Jacqueline Gold reveals how the retailer acted rapidly to make the most of the book’s massive retail halo effect and how she turned the phenomenon into a longer-term benefit for her business.

Her presentation will cover:

• Capitalising on a change in customer opinions, shopping and confidence.
• Rising to the challenge through effective communication, supply chain, merchandising and training.
• Understanding the long-term implications for every retail business.
• Evaluating how retailers should harness digital to be ready for the next big thing.

Jacqueline Gold, chief executive, Ann Summers

Jacqueline Gold is chief executive of Ann Summers and Knickerbox. She has turned the companies into profitable high street retailers and earned herself a reputation as one of the UK’s most successful and powerful executives.

In Conversation with Mary Portas

Agree or disagree with her approach, few can deny that Mary Portas has brought the plight of the UK’s high streets to the front of the public agenda. From the success and challenges of her Portas Pilots to the role big business still has to play in the revival of the country’s retail sector more widely, Portas will lay out her vision for the industry in an exclusive interview with Retail Week editor-in-chief Chris Brook-Carter.

Mary Portas, founder, Portas the Retail Agency

As the founder of one of London’s most respected retail and brand communication agencies, Portas (formerly Yellowdoor), the queen of shops is recognised throughout the trade.

After beginning her retail career as a Saturday girl in John Lewis, Portas later became responsible for windows and display at Harrods and then Topshop.

She went on to join Harvey Nichols in 1989 and is credited with transforming the retailer into the world-renowned store group it is today.

Portas’ foresight and unique knowledge of brands, retail trends and consumer insights prompted her to launch her PR agency when she saw a need for integrated and creative brand communication in the retail, fashion, luxury and beauty sectors. Portas’ company has created campaigns for a wide range of retailers including Clarks, Louis Vuitton, Oasis, Swarovski, Dunhill, Boden and Thomas Pink.

In May 2011 came her biggest challenge to date. Portas was commissioned by the Prime Minister David Cameron to lead an independent review into the future of the high street. She delivered the report in December 2011, outlining 28 recommendations for rescuing the nation’s failing high streets.

Retail Week Live 2013

Come and see for yourself what Retail Week Live 2013 has to offer. This is now your last chance to book. The event is on March 13 and 14 at the Hilton London Metropole. Find out more or call 020 3033 2777. Quote VIP code MAG1WK when booking.

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