2026 Agenda

Instructor: Katja Wieland 

Start your World Retail Congress day grounded, focused and energised with a guided morning meditation, delivered in partnership with Fabletics.

Designed to help you reset before a busy day of insights, networking and inspiration, this calming session offers a moment of stillness to centre the mind, release tension and set positive intentions for the day ahead.

All equipment will be provided, including yoga mats, pillows, bolsters and props. Simply arrive, get comfortable and enjoy a relaxed, welcoming start to the Congress in a beautifully curated environment.

Whether you’re new to meditation or a regular practitioner, this session is suitable for all levels and is the perfect way to prioritise wellbeing during the event.

Spaces are strictly limited and advance sign-up is required.

A unique setting for a focused, high-level discussion among peers - concise, interactive, and entirely off the record. Participation is by invitation-only so please enquire for more details.

 

As AI accelerates and data becomes ever richer; retailers face a new challenge: ensuring technology enhances and doesn't replace the human understanding that drives great retail. This private breakfast workshop will unpack where data and predictive models can take you far, and where they can inadvertently lead you astray. 

Together, we’ll explore how to blend the power of analytics with the irreplaceable insights of real people: customers whose choices aren’t always rational and employees whose creativity, judgment and empathy shape the brand experience every day. Expect a candid conversation on how to build planning processes that are tech-enabled but human-led, and how to future‑proof decision-making by keeping humanity at the centre of innovation. 

 

Retail is experiencing unprecedented transformation. From AI-driven personalization and sustainability imperatives to shifting consumer behaviours and global economic pressures, the next five years will redefine what success looks like. In this opening panel, visionary leaders share their roadmap for navigating disruption, unlocking growth, and building resilient, future-ready businesses. Expect bold predictions, actionable strategies, and a candid look at the forces shaping retail's journey to 2030.

Top student teams from leading universities present their solutions to this year's real?world retail brief, showcasing bold ideas, fresh thinking and future?ready strategies. Watch them compete live for the coveted Future Retail Challenge Championship as a panel of industry leaders selects the winning concept shaping the next era of retail.

As global travel rebounds and passenger expectations shift, travel retail and duty free are entering a new era of opportunity and disruption. From the evolution of luxury in transit environments to new omnichannel models, and data‑driven retailing, this conversation looks at what the next decade will demand. A strategic deep dive into where growth will come from, and how brands and operators can capture it.

Discover how advanced AI is redefining personalisation at scale ' from sharper recommendations and better fit prediction to more intuitive, seamless customer journeys.

Be the first to hear the headline findings from the Global CEO Survey. This session reveals the priorities, pressure points and growth bets shaping boardroom agendas around the world — from investment hotspots and AI adoption to talent, profitability and geopolitical risk. A fast, data‑rich briefing on how the industry’s top leaders are steering their companies into the future.

What can global retailers learn from those supplying the world’s fastest‑growing Chinese marketplaces? This session will cover practical insights on speed, cost efficiency, product development cycles, and the operational discipline required to thrive in an ecosystem defined by data‑driven merchandising and relentless execution. A rare, inside look at how Chinese platforms operate — and the lessons retailers can apply to compete with their pace and precision. 

Over the last three years, ASOS has deliberately rebuilt its foundations, reshaping the business around a clearer, more disciplined commercial model rooted in product authority, relevance and better decision‑making. This reset has been about earning confidence in the offer, strengthening full‑price performance and building a model designed to scale sustainably.

As ASOS enters its next phase, the question becomes how early momentum is translated into durable growth at scale.

In this conversation, José Antonio Ramos, Chief Executive Officer of ASOS, joins Marc Allsop of Rokt to share leadership lessons and commercial thinking from ASOS’ transformation journey. From the launch of ASOS World, a loyalty programme built around experience and exclusivity, to investment in AI‑driven personalisation and the emerging opportunity in commerce media, José will discuss how relevance-led customer value is shaping a more resilient growth engine for the business.

This session is for retail leaders navigating the tension between near‑term performance and long‑term relevance.

Private label is one of the most powerful strategic assets available to retailers, yet in many organizations it remains treated mainly as a purchasing tool or a price lever. This paradox reflects deeper organizational dynamics that shape how retailers think about brands, pricing, and value creation. 

Drawing on the experience of Coop Italia, this session explores how private label can evolve from “own label” into a true retailer brand.

As digital takes an ever-greater share of customer attention, this panel explores why the craft of great shopkeeping ' human connection, sensory experience, and the theatre of the store ' still matters profoundly. Leaders will discuss how the most successful retailers are blending digital intelligence with physical creativity to elevate service, personalise journeys, and rediscover the magic that makes people fall in love with shopping all over again.

With a growing number of consumers around the world feeling financial pressure, the value retail sector is forecast to grow faster than any other. But that momentum does not guarantee success as we have seen with some value players coming under pressure. So how is the value retail sector facing into the future to ensure it can win customers in an increasingly competitive sector. This panel brings together some of the key players in the sector to share their experiences.

AI is fast becoming the most transformative force in retail; but the real question for leaders is how to stay visible and competitive as consumers shift to AI shopping journeys. Making the right strategic bets requires understanding how this shift changes competitive dynamics, customer behavior, and infrastructure priorities'and that's exactly what this panel will unpack.

Retail innovation is alive and well ' and this session showcases the standout new stores setting the benchmark worldwide. From immersive brand experiences and next?level service concepts to bold design, tech integration and hyper?local relevance, we spotlight the openings that truly raised the bar this year. A fast, inspiring tour of the ideas, formats and store strategies defining what 'great' looks like in 2026.

Do not miss this practical masterclass giving CEOs the tools to build a confident 2030 strategy. This session translates real consumer forecasts into clear decisions leaders must make now: which markets to prioritise, where to invest and how to spot early indicators of risk or opportunity. Attendees walk away with a usable forecasting toolkit, actionable next steps, and the insight required to steer their organisation toward sustained growth through 2030.

Retail Media has evolved from a simple advertising channel into a powerful engine for customer-centric growth. But as the industry matures, the critical question remains: How do we move beyond the hype to create lasting value for everyone involved? This presentation highlights how data-driven insights can be transformed into seamless customer experiences that bridge the gap between intent and purchase. Through the lens of two distinct success stories—one endemic and one non-endemic—this session reveals how to turn retail data into a competitive advantage.

What does it take to build a brand that actually moves culture—and scales globally? 
In this session, Henry Stupp, President, EMEAI, will share how Authentic Brands Group has cracked the code on modern brand building, transforming legacy names into operating systems powered by media, experience, partnerships and commerce. 
Authentic operates with a clear advantage: real-time insight into the communities where its brands live, play and grow. Stupp will break down the proven playbook for unlocking value—where brands win, where they stall and how to course-correct in real time, offering an actionable framework for building brands that are not just relevant but impossible to ignore. 

Why will “trust” in brands matter even more by 2030? Global communications firm, Brunswick Group, have conducted a major consumer research programme to understand how retailers can build direct relationships with consumers when consumers have more power than ever over retailers’ reputations. The necessity of having a strong social media strategy and personality isn't anything new - but the social platforms they rely on are fragmenting, politicising and losing trust. How can retailers build and maintain trust in this shifted dynamic? A vital, thought-provoking presentation of this exclusive and timely research. 

The 'grab and go' store that attracted headlines when Amazon moved into the space faced a set back when Amazon pulled back last year. But behind these headlines, the 'grab and go' autonomous store is not going away and are growing around the world. Hear from one of the world's leading experts in this sector on why consumers are looking increasingly to this ultimate convenience store format.

The implementation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) has raised significant operational questions for retailers, just as the Digital Fairness Act (DFA) emerges as the next major regulatory frontier. As we look ahead, what lessons can be drawn to ensure the European retail is truly prepared for this evolving landscape? 

 

Zalando invites you to an open roundtable at the WRC to exchange views and collaboratively navigate the policy journey ahead. This is a restricted session, please enquire if you would like to attend.

Luxury is being redefined as new generations, shifting global wealth and rapid technological change reshape what customers value. This session explores how brands can balance heritage with innovation, from hyper?personalised experiences and phygital retail to the rising importance of sustainability and cultural relevance. Leaders from across the sector share where growth will come from next'and what 'luxury' will mean by 2030.

Significant growth opportunities lie in consumer segments retail has historically overlooked; groups with high spending power and distinct, yet unmet needs. This session explores how retailers can drive market share and incremental growth by turning underrepresentation into competitive advantage driven through trust and loyalty. Creating supportive and accessible propositions that deliver proven, purposeful and commercial impact.

Front-line teams aren't there to execute tasks; they're there to create value ' for customers, for the brand, and for the bottom line. The future of retail belongs to the people who can personalise, problem-solve, and humanise an experience technology can't. This expert panel will explore how the most high-performing retailers are shifting from process-led to people-led environments.

AI is fast becoming one of the most powerful levers for advantage in retail and beyond, redefining how businesses grow, compete and serve customers. Yet for many CEOs, the gap between AI's promise and its proven value remains wide and the future is uncertain. This panel will explore the strategic choices CEOs must make to ensure innovation becomes a source of sustained advantage and the leadership steps necessary to take us there, beyond technology.

The existential question that weighs heavily on retail CEOs' minds is: how do we grow like-for-like sales volumes when consumers are spending less, costs are rising, and competition is at an all-time high?

Consumer behaviour and expectation are reshaping the funnel. Today it’s not just about creating demand and converting demand, it’s about achieving both at the same time. We’ll explore modern behaviours behind this shift: going deep on communities, exploring new consumer journeys, and turning transactions into thrills.  

 

Coach: Juju Kim

Energise your morning at World Retail Congress with a relaxed and social Run Club, delivered in partnership with Fabletics.

Designed to be welcoming and inclusive, this session offers a great way to enjoy light movement, fresh air and connection with fellow delegates. We’ll begin with a gentle guided warm-up, followed by an approximately 5K run at a comfortable, easy pace, adapting to the ability of the group. The route takes in the scenic paths of Berlin’s beautiful Tiergarten Park, offering a calm and inspiring start to the day away from the conference floor.

The session will finish with a cool-down stretch, helping you feel refreshed, re-energised and ready for a full day of Congress activity. This run is about enjoyment and participation rather than performance and is suitable for anyone comfortable running 5K at an easy pace.

Spaces are strictly limited and advance sign-up is required.

 

Customer expectations are shifting faster than ever ' reshaped by technology, culture, economics and a new definition of value. This session examines the behaviours, motivations and decision drivers redefining how people shop today, and what retailers must adapt to stay relevant. From demand for personalisation to new loyalty dynamics and emerging lifestyle priorities, gain a clear view of the consumer forces that will matter most through 2030.

In a world of economic and geopolitical uncertainty, retention is harder to earn, loyalty harder to keep, and growth harder to sustain. 

This session brings together retail leaders who've had to build trust without brand heritage to lean on — in high-growth markets, purpose-built communities, and consumer segments long underserved by legacy players. Their thinking is instructive precisely because they couldn't rely on existing playbooks. Panellists will share how communities built on shared values, cultural fluency, and relational engagement deliver retention, advocacy, and growth that compound over time. 

This session explores how store‑based digital technology is reshaping frontline work by automating routine tasks and enabling teams to focus on higher‑value service. Drawing on latest innovations such as smart shelf systems that deliver real‑time pricing, faster task execution, improved stock accuracy and data‑driven store operations, the session will examine how in‑store digitisation can boost productivity, enhance decision‑making and create more responsive, efficient retail environments.

This session explores how confidence shapes whether people engage, decide or opt out of spending; especially in moments that feel high?risk or uncertain. As AI transforms search and advice into more conversational, personalised experiences, it is increasingly influencing these hesitation points by building trust and clarity. This session examines how AI?led design and behavioural insight can reduce friction at key decision moments and unlock new growth for retailers and brands.

Loyalty is shifting from points and perks to dynamic, data‑driven relationships. This session explores how The Central Group, one of Asia’s leading retailers, is reinventing their loyalty model to deepen engagement, personalise value, and build longer‑term connection in an era of rising expectations and shrinking margins. It is Thailand’s biggest loyalty programme with over 22 million members. Discover the strategies reshaping loyalty and what it takes to stay relevant to the modern customer. 

Grocery retail in Europe is facing a complex and evolving landscape, shaped by shifting consumer behaviour, continued cost and margin pressure, and uneven growth across markets. Drawing on the latest State of Grocery Retail 2026 report, published as a joint collaboration between EuroCommerce, McKinsey & Company and Europanel, this session unpacks the key forces shaping the sector. Based on insights from more than 35 grocery executives and over 15,000 consumers across 14 European countries, this session explores how retailers are responding to these challenges and where new opportunities are emerging. 

Looking ahead, the discussion will highlight the most relevant strategic priorities for leaders, as well as what AI could mean for grocery retail and how leading players are beginning to translate its potential into impact. 

What does it take to turn a bold idea into a global movement? In this session, we explore how founder-led brands are rewriting the rules of retail - starting with underserved communities and scaling to partnerships with some of the world's biggest names. Discover how resilience, purpose, and innovation can transform niche markets into mainstream success stories and how the future of retail is being defined by consumer choice.

Slow planning and disconnected decision-making have a hidden cost — up to 5 cents for every dollar earned, according to new survey findings. Join Anaplan and research partner Incisiv for the WRC-exclusive reveal of The Race to Act, a global study of retail and CPG executives across North America and Europe. We'll go beyond the data to give attendees concrete strategies for turning volatility into decision confidence — the ultimate competitive advantage. 

The traditional career ladder that built today’s retail CEOs is breaking—and no clear replacement has been built. As AI removes much of the work that once trained early talent and organizations flatten, fewer future leaders are gaining the experience, judgment, and resilience that leadership demands—they won’t get there the way you did. The question is no longer theoretical: if young leaders cannot emerge through the same paths that once produced senior leaders, then who is building the next generation—and how? This session confronts that reality head-on. Through a candid discussion with global retail CEOs, we explore how leaders are redesigning development from the ground up—creating new pathways, redefining what “empowering your people” actually means, and applying a “New CEO Playbook”—ten practical moves to build capability, accelerate learning, and strengthen the leadership bench. Because if this isn’t addressed now, the risk isn’t just a talent gap—it’s a leadership generation that never fully forms.

Consumers are increasingly replacing traditional search with AI for product recommendations and you’re not in the room. Every major LLM has already formed its own distinct view of your brand. Not from what you’ve told it. From training data you never controlled, sources you’ve never seen, and biases you didn’t know existed. Your own website accounts for as little as five percent of what these models draw on. The rest is reviews, third-party content, outdated articles, and competitor narratives. Each model tells a different story. And until now, no retailer has seen any of them. In this special, world-exclusive session, this is your chance to hear how the world’s biggest agentic search engines describe and recommend your brands. And then from the following discussion unpack what all of this means from the implications for retail strategy and brand building, to why brands must take control of their own narrative in the places AI actually looks, to how to prepare for agentic commerce when the algorithm has become the shelf, the sales assistant, and the trusted advisor all at once.  

Social platforms are becoming full?funnel commerce engines ' reshaping how customers discover, evaluate and buy. This session explores the models driving growth in social commerce, from creator?led selling to in?app checkout and shoppable video, and the tactics retailers can use to turn engagement into sales. Clear insights on what's working now, where the biggest opportunities lie, and how to build a social commerce strategy that scales.

As retailers and brands drive for growth in an ever-more challenging retail landscape, international expansion is back on the agenda. But what sets apart successful international expansion in today’s world compared with ten years ago is that it is now dependent on forming the best and most appropriate partnership with a franchise or wholesale operator rather than with owned expansion.

 

 

In today’s AI era, some of the most transformative retail innovations aren’t coming from legacy platforms; they’re being built inside fast, focused, hyper-specialised start-ups. These companies are redefining what’s possible across procurement, finance, supply chain, compliance and operational decision-making. But the retailers gaining the biggest competitive edge are the ones who know how to deploy start-up technology at scale. 

Expect a practical, behind-the-scenes conversation on how to evaluate start-up partners, integrate new tools into complex environments, and build operating models that allow innovation to take root and deliver impact. 

What separates the breakout retailers that sustain momentum from those that stall? In this fast‑paced panel, founders and leaders of the world’s most dynamic high‑growth businesses reveal the cultural foundations, leadership behaviours and operating models that enable scale. From embedding an entrepreneurial mindset at every level, to building teams that can handle rapid growth, to developing the resilience needed for international expansion, panellists share hard‑won lessons from taking their brands to the next stage. Expect real talk on navigating hyper‑growth, maintaining brand integrity under pressure, and knowing when—and how—to go global. 

Sustainability may have dropped lower down many agendas but for some, climate change has moved from ESG reporting into the core of financial risk management as the cost of inaction becomes more tangible. Climate impacts reshape costs, margins and supply chains — it is a financial risk and resilience imperative. In retail, from fashion to food, most emissions and inefficiencies sit in shared supply chains, from agriculture and production processes to packaging and waste.
This session brings together leading retailers, brands and industry associations to show how investments can unlock real business value — whether through reducing food waste, rethinking packaging, or jointly financing supply chain decarbonisation. Speakers will explore the evolving role of the CFO, new collaborative financing models, and how shared action can protect profitability, stabilise supply chains and create value for customers and the planet.

At a time when the region is navigating heightened uncertainty and external pressures, resilience has become a defining leadership capability in the Middle East. This fireside chat explores how leaders are responding to a fast‑changing environment by maintaining focus, stability and confidence while managing complexity on the ground. 

While retailers have more customer data than ever, too few decisions are truly customer-led. We will explore how value quietly leaks when data is used for reporting rather than decision-making—and how leading retailers are pulling ahead by embedding customer intelligence and AI into everyday pricing, promotion, range and personalisation choices. We'll look at how growth comes not from more insight, but from repeated, connected decisions powered by customer data, and confront a clear challenge: using customer understanding as a growth engine isn’t optional—it’s the difference between standing still and compounding growth, starting now. 

Retail's future talent is entering the workforce with new priorities, values and expectations. In this candid panel, Gen Z students share what they're looking for in employers from meaningful work, skills development and career mobility to culture, flexibility and purpose. Hear directly from the next generation about what attracts them, what turns them away, and how retailers can build workplaces that inspire, retain and empower tomorrow's leaders.

Does customer experience mean something different in today’s digital age when consumers have access 24-7 to the latest trends, brands and influencers? How can retailers ensure that they remain at the centre of attention? More importantly, what does experience mean both online and within the physical store? Sephora has built its reputation on being one of the most loved brands around the world. Hear from Sephora’s top expert in omnichannel retailing on how they combine creativity with data to deliver exceptional brand experiences. 

Who's redefining what exciting retail looks like today? This fast?paced session spotlights the most original, high?energy retail concepts emerging around the world ' from breakthrough formats and bold brand worlds to inventive use of tech, community and culture. A curated look at the retailers raising the bar for creativity and relevance, offering fresh inspiration and practical ideas for every leader shaping the future of retail.

The retailers winning today are those building for tomorrow. This keynote panel brings together the innovators already reshaping the future through new operating models, breakthrough technology and radical customer‑centricity. Leaders will share the capabilities they’re investing in now, the shifts transforming how and where people shop, and the practical actions every retailer must take to secure relevance and growth in the decade ahead. 

The Otto Group is one of the world’s leading international retail and services groups, employing around 35,000 people worldwide. In her keynote, Petra Scharner-Wolff outlines how the Group is strengthening its resilience in an age of overlapping global crises — through consistent action, clear strategic focus, and innovation as a mindset. From rigorous financial discipline to a sharpened portfolio and strong investments in AI and robotics, she shows how the Otto Group is positioning itself to remain future‑ready and sustainably successful.