Barcelona, April 3rd - World Retail Congress, the world's leading strategic forum for research, content and events in the retail industry is taking place in Barcelona from April 25th to 27th focusing on the theme "Retail Leadership for Extraordinary Times."  

With headline keynote sessions from the likes of Professor Scott Galloway speaking on industry forecasts and trends, to retail CEO panels hosted by Naga Muchetty featuring Marks & Spencer, LVMH, AWWG, AE & Aerie and Wumart – it's an event that will both inspire and inform.  

The program will focus on four key themes that are required of retail leaders and businesses today: resilient retail, purposeful retail, transformational retail, and customer-focused retail. The event aims to foster collaboration and partnerships among retailers, recognizing that this is the key to weathering the storm and prospering in the long term. 

Some standout names from the international industry will be a part of the advisory board and the speaking panels, including Stuart Machin, CEO of Marks & Spencer, Judith McKenna, Walmart International's President & CEO, Jaume Miguel Tendam's Chairman & CEO, Alexander Laciik, Pandora's President &CEO, Tendam's Chairman & CEO, and other industry leaders. 

The event also features The Hall of Fame, an exclusive and invite-only evening that recognizes the achievements of individuals who have founded and led retail's greatest companies and brands.  

The Congress inducts three to four new members each year, celebrating those whose ideas have shaped retail through the businesses and brands they have created or through their skills in running the retail industry's giants. 

The evening will celebrate the winner of the Isidoro álvarez Award for Outstanding Leadership, created by partner El Corte Ingles, to honour one incredible global retail disrupter. 

Ian McGarrigle, the World Retail Congress Chair, confirms, "We are thrilled to be hosting the World Retail Congress in Barcelona this year. This event is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders to share ideas and insights, and the theme for this year's congress reflects the challenges and opportunities facing the retail sector in today's world." 

The event will also feature a series of initiatives, here listed below: 

• The Barcelona Study Tour, curated exclusively for the Congress, takes place on the first morning of the Congress and provides attendees with a taste of Barcelona's finest retail stores. 

• The Retail Labs, in-depth sessions on key retail areas designed to provide tangible takeaways and encourage learning, knowledge sharing, and debate.  

• WRC's Annual Lecture: The Retail Industry Deep Dive with Professor Scott Galloway, followed by a private Q&As session with VIP delegates to discuss the main topic. 

Event partners and sponsors include AlixPartners, Deloitte, GreyOrange, Shell, BCG, Tendam, EY, McKinsey, and others. ?