Welcome address

Berlin, “the place to be” – this is as true for the global retail industry as for anyone else. I am pleased that the coming year’s 4th World Retail Congress will be taking place in the German capital for the first time, and welcome all its participants very warmly to Berlin.

It is said of Berlin that the city is forever in flux, and this, of course, is true of retailing too. It must always be looking to new requirements, trends and customer demands. Retailers must always be one step ahead of the times, particularly in the difficult situation in which the global economy currently finds itself.

As you will see for yourselves throughout the city, many new, ultra-modern and architecturally striking shopping centres have been built in Berlin in recent years, offering retailers the most modern conditions and customers ideal facilities for shopping and entertainment. So our city has a good deal of experience and many good examples. But at the same time we are very keen to gain new insights and take part in international dialogue on new developments.

The World Retail Congress will make a contribution to this. I wish you all an interesting and informative stay in Berlin, and your congress every success.


Klaus Wowereit
Governing Mayor of Berlin