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Industry Praise for World Retail Congress

Luke Dowdney MBE, CEO & Founder, Luta Clothing

The chance to connect in such a short space of time with so many distributors, retailers and potential investors from all over the world was second to none. I've been having follow up meetings regarding taking the LUTA brand to new markets since the congress finished two weeks ago, and I have further follow up meetings lined up over the coming weeks. I'm confident that LUTA will find its way into these new markets, and the conference was undoubtedly an initial catalyst for this process.

 

Bob Thacker, CMO, Officemax

It’s a really fascinating group of people and a very dynamic centre of discussion, an amazing city. I don’t think that anyone can be in retail and not be a true citizen of the world and what better place to be than right here.

 

Rick Darling, President, Li & Fung US

We have been involved with the World Retail Congress since the beginning, we are one of the original advisors. I think it’s a great environment for retailers from around the world to really come together in one place and listen to the leadership of those companies and talk about what is going on in their particular markets and their particular retailer. Retailing is becoming increasingly a global event and those that supply are becoming increasingly global so the opportunity to really hear firsthand what is going on in other parts of the world, really is fantastic and I think that is the big benefit. When I talk to other CEOs that have been at the congress they all walk away with the same feeling that it is a rare opportunity to hear what is going on outside of their comfort zones and for them to get a better understanding of what other innovative people are doing around the world.

 

Chris Aubrey, Adidas

It’s a really great opportunity to meet loads of people at the World Retail Congress and a lot of the presentations have been great. Understanding just what everybody is thinking about retail right now is really helpful for us so it’s been a great opportunity to meet a lot of our peers and to find out what is going on.

 

The thrill of being a finalist at the Oracle World Retail Congress Awards is huge. But understanding your company name has been announced when they say, "AND THE WINNER IS....Grupo Pão de Açúcar” is indescribable. We are very honoured to be recognised as the best retail company in emerging markets, considering that from now on we are already the largest retailer in emerging markets, but being the best is what distinguishes you from good to great.

Hugo Bethlem, Vice President Executive Grupo, Pão de Açúcar

 

To be acknowledged amongst our peers is indeed a great honour. You go on a journey to develop what you think will be a great retail store that will excite and inspire your customers. When you deliver and the customer responds the way you had hoped and dreamed, you know you have achieved something quite special.

Megan Foster, Group General Manager Marketing&Brand Development, Myer

 

We are delighted to have won the Responsible Retailer Award. The World Retail Awards recognises the very best in the highly competitive retailing industry, so to win the award is a significant and proud achievement for us. It is also hugely motivating for the thousands of M&S colleagues and suppliers who have and continue to put in the hard work and commitment, delivering and striving to achieve in what we believe it’s the right thing to do.

Adam Elman, Head of Plan A Delivery, Marks & Spencer PLC

 

It is a great honour to have received the Retailer Advertising Campaign of the Year Award. The retail category is a growing, complicated and very crowded arena. A simple idea with strong strategic thinking and an innovative creative approach can break through the messaging clutter. Prestigious awards such as this helps us at Arc Worldwide, and our industry as a whole, to continually strive for smarter, stronger creative work that influence human behaviour.

Rich Hashimoto, VP Creative Director, Arc Worldwide

 

The premium global networking opportunity

Michael Poynor, Global RC Advisor, PWC

 

Great retailing minds brought together, all under one roof

Ajit Joshi, MD and CEO, Tata

 

Exciting, forward leaning and global

Marie Roche, VP, Leo Burnett

 

Thought provoking and inspiring to be among such high calibre peers

Amanda Campbell, Head of PR+Communications, Capital Shopping Centres

 

An excellent opportunity for networking and training from successful retailers

Anil Menezes, Deputy General Manager, Liwa Trading

 

An intensive workout of opinion on retail and retailing

Steve Kulmur, Director/Founder, RCG Limited/Retailoasis

 

A vibrant and up-to-date platform where the retailer of today can see and learn how to be the retailer of tomorrow

Peter De Wit, Business Development, Worldpay

 

Really good, content rich and full of excellent insights

Sedide Arendse, Managing Executive, Ellerines Furnishers

 

Very well organised, very productive, very up-to-date in terms of subjects and speakers

Miguel Seixas, Board Member, Sonae

What to do next?

• See who will be speaking at the 2012 event »
• Industry praise for the Congress »
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