In bringing together the leaders, founders and owners of today’s major retail businesses, there are few more significant gatherings of the industry than World Retail Congress.

For 2023, we take the theme 'Retail Leadership for Extraordinary Times' and across three days, unblock the uncertainty that you and your peers are feeling through our unrivalled programme of content and events.

The Congress will ask difficult questions. Industry experts will showcase their best practice, their lessons and their challenges. You will come away armed with the tools required to navigate this complicated world.

Join us as we shape the future of global retail.

HONEST & INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

Where great people tell great stories – of success, failure, transformation - and lessons learned. The Congress focuses on content-led sessions which are honest, insightful and engaging.

EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH & TANGIBLE INSIGHTS

Uniting retailers, industry experts, technology providers, government stakeholders and academics to tell their stories and share their insights that give you real takeaways and solutions for your own businesses. Learn from original and exclusive research and hear the latest market intel that can help take you – and the industry – forward.

CHALLENGING, THOUGHT-PROVOKING SESSIONS

Holding a mirror up to the industry, there are sessions throughout the programme led by key industry leaders designed to challenge, provoke thought and ultimately action. In 2022, Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever did just that at the World Retail Congress annual lecture warning that retail cannot risk the cost of sustainability inaction.

Laura Alber | President & CEO | Williams-Sonoma, Inc.

"World Retail Congress brings together the best business leaders and industry innovators to address challenges, opportunities, and the future of global retail. The conference facilitates the most meaningful discussions for our industry."

2022 Speakers

Martin Urrutia Islas | Head Retail Innovation | The Lego Group

"Inspiring sessions with open sharing and conversations on how we all can continue to deliver great experiences in retail, it is also a great forum to meet retail thought-leaders."

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OPENING PARTY

The opening party is open to all delegates and is the perfect way to end the first day of the Congress. In an exclusive venue, the evening provides an exciting and memorable place to network.

INTIMATE NETWORKING

The Congress helps to connect individuals from across the industry through intimate lunches, roundtable sessions and workshops.

DIGITAL BADGES - MAKING CONNECTING EASIER

Introduced in 2022, making lasting connections is even easier with our digital delegate badges. Simply by ‘tapping’ the badge against another delegate’s badge, you’ll be able to exchange details which will be made available to you after the Congress.

FOSTERS FUTURE RETAIL TALENT

The retail revolution is here and it’s imperative to identify and encourage the industry’s future leaders and disruptors. The Future Retail Challenge is our unique competition which gives university students from around the world the chance to present their retail concept in front of an esteemed panel of expert judges and global retailers.

RECOGNISES LEGENDS

Retail wouldn’t be the vibrant, fast-paced environment it is without the legends who have shaped it, demonstrating their vision, passion and inspiration for the sector. From the likes of Tommy Hilfiger and Jo Malone to Sir Paul Smith, we celebrate their achievements and legacy within retail with personalised sessions and their induction into the Hall of Fame.

Adam Pritzker | Founder | Assembled Brands

"I made some great connections at the World Retail Congress - not to mention, got to speak on a panel with people I truly respect and admire in the industry. The entire experience was extremely beneficial."

2022 Highlights

Elaine Bowers-Coventry, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Coca-Cola

“Thought provoking sessions with a great mix of mainstage and smaller group discussions. I enjoyed hearing the range of speakers from investors, retailers and tech partners. With so much change happening in our industry, this conference brings different perspectives to help leaders push their own thinking.”

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Paolo Cimbri | Global Retail Director | Helly Hansen Group

"Overall a great and motivating experience; you get to hear some of the most influential industry leaders, there is nowhere else this can happen."

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WHO ATTENDS

Every year, senior retail leaders from across the globe join us in our host city. In 2022, we saw 504 attendees join from 30 countries including:

Chairs
CEOs
Co-Founders
CFOs, CMOs, COOs
President & CEO
Senior Partners
Global Strategy Directors
Partners
Head of Retail
and many more

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Top Reasons To Attend