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Welcome Address for 2011

Retailing is one of the most dynamic and fast-moving industries operating anywhere in the world today. In the five short years since the World Retail Congress launched, retailers have had to face the consequences and effects of the world's banking crisis.

But whilst the fall-out from the recession continues to focus retailers' minds, there is also recognition that the winners that emerge will be those that are the most innovative, efficient, fast-moving and ambitious. It has therefore been fascinating to work with our Advisory Board and many other retailers in developing the topics and agenda for this year's programme contained in the brochure.

The programme reflects this with sessions that help transform retailers from not being just good businesses but great businesses that can achieve market leadership in this rapidly changing world. In helping retailers focus on delivering growth, there will be plenty of emphasis too on how to maximise the opportunities presented by online and mobile channels as well as the new wave of international
expansion. And insight into today's consumers in all markets will figure prominently on the programme. All will be tackled by a line-up of over 100 speakers including inspiring experts from outside the industry who can really help be the catalysts for new thinking and new ideas.

Inspiration will also be provided by the announcement of the winners of the World Retail Awards which focus on world-class retailing in practice across the full range of categories.

Back for a third year, and with a real retail challenge as their focus, are the teams of retail students from colleges around the world competing to be the winner of the Retail Futures Challenge 2011. This year's competition is working closely with Berlin's flagship department store, KaDeWe which will also showcase all the students' work. Speakers are being added to the programme regularly so please keep looking for updates on the Congress website and emails. The 2011 Congress looks set to be our biggest yet and we look forward to meeting you in Berlin this September for three great days of presentations, discussions and networking.

Ian McGarrigle
Congress Director
World Retail Congress
World Retail Awards

Read Ian's blog at www.worldretailblog.com

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