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

Since 2007, the Congress has been laser-focused on turning the spotlight on stories from those at the helm of great retail businesses - sharing stories in intimate spaces, with peers. The content of the agenda is carefully crafted alongside our active Advisory Board and community, ensuring the programme hosts the discussions most important to retail leaders.

Join us as we shape the future of global retail

UNRIVALLED CONTENT

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HONEST & INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

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 & INSIGHTS

EXCLUSIVE RESEARCH & INSIGHTS

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

THOUGHT-PROVOKING SESSIONS

THOUGHT-PROVOKING SESSIONS

The Congress hosts private, Chatham-House Rule roundtables and workshops that allow participants to share openly with peers. Sessions are designed to be challenging, refreshing and practical so you leave with a game-plan.   

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."

2024 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."

Register your interest for 2025

FUELLING QUALITY CONNECTIONS

OPENING RECEPTION

OPENING RECEPTION

The Opening Reception is an essential moment in the Congress, allowing delegates to relax and unwind in an exclusive environment. Get to know your peers and make connections that will last in this special time
INTIMATE NETWORKING

INTIMATE NETWORKING

The Congress helps to connect individuals you would never normally get to meet from across the industry through intimate lunches, roundtable sessions and workshops. 

MAKING CONNECTING EASIER

MAKING CONNECTING EASIER

Our digital delegate badges make connecting even easier. Simply by ‘tapping’ badges, attendees are able to exchange details and pick up their conversations after the Congress.

INSPIRATION FROM RETAIL LEGENDS & THE NEXT GENERATION

FOSTERS FUTURE RETAIL TALENT

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 gave 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

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 celebrated 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."

2023 Snapshot

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.”

Chairmans review

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."

Register your interest for 2025

A COMMUNITY SHAPING RETAIL'S FUTURE

Join the community at World Retail Congress to be surrounded by greatness. A closed space where the chiefs, the change-makers and the competition come together. 

Retailers who attend are leading the world's most iconic brands, the fastest growing and the most innovative. From food to fashion, luxury to convenience, the Congress is a true cross-section of the global retail landscape. Bring your sales and supply chain teams, customer champions, store visionaries and sustainability heroes - it's cross-functional groups that make the most of their time at WRC.

We also welcome your future leaders. Through the Retail Executive Accelerator Programme, you can focus on your team’s development. Formulated in collaboration with our expert Advisory Board, this is for the leaders of tomorrow, to learn from each other and seasoned experts as they prepare to step into top leadership positions.

Register your interest for 2025

A SAMPLE OF 2024 ATTENDEES

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Join retail leaders shaping the future of global retailers